SA Solar FAQ

Once operational, a solar farm will typically operate for a 30–35-year lifespan.

No. SA Solar will utilize monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which account for over 90% of solar PV panels installed today. These panels use a crystalline lattice of silicon atoms to convert sunlight into electricity. Silicon is the second-most abundant material on Earth (after oxygen) and the most common semiconductor material used in computer chips. It is nontoxic and does not pose a risk to public health or safety. When a project is decommissioned, panels can be recycled as well as be disposed in landfills designated for this type of material.

No, solar panels themselves are completely silent. Certain pieces of equipment on a solar farm, which include invertors, transformers, and motors, do emit a small amount of sound during the day from sunrise to sunset. Transportation and maintenance equipment – including cars, trucks, lawnmowers and string trimmers – are also a common source of noise on solar farms that most people are used to hearing elsewhere. The impact of this sound is negligible because the equipment is strategically placed within the solar layout and is typically distant from the property lines. A noise study will be conducted to ensure that the project operates within applicable noise limits.

Noise producing equipment at a solar facility is limited to inverters, transformers, motors, and (if utilized) batteries. The Project will be designed to the extent practicable with the sound producing equipment placed at a distance from Project borders.

Solar panels are typically cleaned naturally through rainfall or snow melting from the face of the panels. O&M crew members will ensure panels are properly cleaned for efficiency and energy production purposes.

Solar panels are designed to ensure minimal reflection as any reflected light is lost energy; therefore, the panels are designed with anti-reflective coating to absorb the maximum amount of light. However, solar panel glare occasionally occurs when an observer sees a direct reflection of the sun caused by a reflection from the surface of a solar panel. As part of its permitting process, SA Solar will conduct a Glare Analysis of the project site that will allow project designers to minimize or eliminate solar panel glare on the surrounding residents, businesses, and transportation. Further, the project will utilize single axis trackers, which allow the panels to track the sun as it moves across the sky and keep the panels at a right angle to the sun, minimizing the potential for glare. In the unlikely event that unreasonable glare is identified, specific modifications to design and/or operation of the panels will be implemented to address the issue.

No. Solar energy facilities do not cause impacts/disruptions to over-the-air (OTA) digital TV reception.

The project must adhere to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and will properly site the project with regard to the specific requirements of the FAA. Emergency medical helicopters will continue to adhere to their own aircraft landing protocol.

The risk of fire in a large-scale solar project is incredibly low. The project contains sensors that are capable of detecting a fire that could be occurring in a specific section of the array. These sensors will immediately notify Operation and Maintenance team members, who then can power off the array. The solar energy facility and its equipment will be operated and monitored to ensure proper safety of the equipment. The SA Solar Project will have a safety and security plan that details fire protection and related education for local first responders. The project will work with local fire and EMS departments to ensure their thorough understanding of the project’s low fire risk and proper response actions.

The Project will not require the use of any unusual or atypical fire suppressants in the unlikely event of a fire.

SA Solar is unaware of any peer-reviewed studies proving any adverse health effects to neighbors of solar farms. The state’s process for permitting also ensures that the Project is safely sited to mitigate any adverse impact to the health of humans.