Solar Farms

Equipped with smart solar trackers that meticulously monitor the sun's movement throughout the day, solar panels are mounted on a support structure. During daylight hours, the panels gradually pivot from east to west, resulting in a height range of 4 to 10 feet, ultimately reaching a maximum elevation resembling that of a cornfield

100MW of solar will supply approximately 16,000 -17,000 average American houses. https://law.lclark.edu/live/news/28453-100-megawatts-per-day-solar-power-on-the-rise

The panels are placed on a steel structure that has a fixed part and a mobile one. The fixed part is represented by steel poles that are fit into the ground mechanically with a "ramming machine" that hammers the piles into the ground. On top of the poles is a central axis that moves a steel table on top of which there are either one or two panels installed, either landscape or portrait. Each row has a motor that moves the axis and the whole assembly east to west to follow the sun.

The typical size for a 72 cell, 350W - 450W panel is 77 inches long and 39 inches wide. 

Depending on the final design, and it could be up to 10ft.

The company takes the obligation to dismantle the facility at the end of the project lifetime, take out all the materials and equipment above and below ground, restore the property, and surrender it to the landowner. Over 80 percent of a standard PV solar panel consists of glass and aluminum, which are widely used and readily recyclable materials. We will have in place a decommissioning plan which states that upon reaching the end of its operational life, the project will be dismantled, removed, and recycled. This will enable the land to be returned to agricultural activities or repurposed as determined by the landowners.

The fate of solar panels at the end of a solar project typically depends on various factors, including local regulations and the preferences of the project owner or operator. Here are some common scenarios for the disposal or repurposing of solar panels at the end of a solar project:

1. Recycling: Many solar panels can be recycled to recover valuable materials like glass and aluminum. Recycling programs and facilities are increasingly available to process old solar panels in an environmentally responsible way.

2. Repurposing: In some cases, solar panels that are still in good condition may be repurposed for other applications, such as powering remote devices or being integrated into new solar projects.

3. Resale: Functional solar panels may be resold on the secondhand market, either as a whole or in parts. This can be an environmentally friendly way to extend the life of solar panels.

4. Return to Manufacturer: Some manufacturers offer take-back programs or recycling services for their solar panels, allowing for responsible disposal or recycling.

In most jurisdictions, solar projects will trigger a particular use permit or semi-industrial zoning, which will increase the taxable land value. This is an ad valorem tax that the developer will pay for. Also, throughout the life of the project, $41 million in new tax revenue is expected to be generated, which will go toward local school systems, emergency services and many other services – reducing the tax burden on local residents.

Solar panels are not toxic or polluting when used and disposed of properly. They generate clean, renewable energy from sunlight and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making them environmentally beneficial during their operational lifespan.

While there are some environmental concerns associated with the manufacturing and disposal of solar panels, these issues are generally outweighed by the environmental benefits they provide during their operational lifespan. Responsible manufacturing practices, recycling efforts, and the use of clean energy sources in production can further mitigate their environmental impact. When considering the overall environmental impact, solar panels are a net positive for reducing pollution and combating climate change.

Research conducted by the University of Maryland indicates that the heat generated by a solar farm is significantly less than that produced by urban areas. Furthermore, this heat dissipates rapidly and is virtually undetectable at a distance of 100 feet. Alpin Sun also contributes to cooling through the planting of grass underneath of panels,  a practice that was found to mitigate temperature rises in the aforementioned study. 

The impact of a solar project on property values can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the project, its size, the local real estate market, and the perception of the community. In many cases, properly planned and well-maintained solar projects do not necessarily decrease property values and can even have neutral or positive effects. Here are some considerations:

1. Location: Rural or remote areas with fewer existing amenities may see less impact on property values from solar projects compared to densely populated urban areas.

2. Size and Visibility: Smaller-scale solar installations, such as rooftop solar panels on individual homes, typically have minimal to no impact on property values. Large utility-scale solar farms may have a more noticeable visual impact, but this can be mitigated through landscaping and proper planning.

3. Community Perception: Public perception plays a role. Some communities may view solar projects as a positive step toward renewable energy and environmental responsibility, while others may have concerns about visual impact or other factors.

4. Market Conditions: The state of the local real estate market also matters. In a strong seller's market, property values may be less affected by nearby solar projects compared to a buyer's market.

Alpin Sun is committed to responsible solar development. We incline to have a dual-use approach to our solar projects, where the land is used both for solar energy generation and another primary purpose, such as agriculture. These projects are sometimes referred to as "agrivoltaics" or "solar-agriculture" projects.

In such projects, the land is not necessarily lost for agriculture; rather, it is used more efficiently to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. Agrivoltaic systems often involve grazing sheep under the solar panels and raising bees.