MEGAWATT FARMING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1Can I continue to use my land during the option period?
Yes. We will evaluate your land; the electric utility will study the grid for interconnection and we will get all of the necessary permits during the option period. Although this work is time-consuming, it is unobtrusive.
2Once the Solar Farm is built, do I need to do anything?
No. We handle all operation and maintenance, including landscaping and mowing.
3What happens after the solar project stops producing power?
When the system stops producing power or at the end of the lease term, the Power Producer is required to remove all of the components of the solar project (including any below-ground components) and restore the land to its pre-project condition. Before the solar project starts construction, the Power Producer is also required to provide you a surety bond to cover the cost of decommissioning and removal of the solar project. This surety bond ensures that in the event the Power Producer is unable to fulfill its contractual obligation, the full cost of removal and restoration will be covered by the surety bond.
4What needs to happen before the solar project gets built?
Developing a solar project takes time and expertise. In total, most projects take between two and three years to reach construction. We work diligently to quickly get your project ready for the start construction.
5Is there any guarantee that the Solar Farm will receive all of the necessary approvals?
No, there is no guarantee. First, we site projects where we think there is a strong likelihood of approval. Second, we and our Power Producer partners are skilled at building consensus in the community and proactively presenting the economic, fiscal and environmental benefits of the Solar Farm. We work tirelessly to get the project approved.
6Will I pay additional property taxes because of the Solar Farm?
No. You will not pay any additional property taxes. Your property taxes will increase after the solar project is built but the Power Producer pays any increase in property tax resulting from the solar project, including any roll-back taxes.
7Do Solar Farms harm the land?
No. The Solar Farm preserves your land for future use. The project does not emit any pollution or contamination. Due to stormwater management practices, less runoff enters nearby creeks and rivers than would under traditional agricultural use. The Solar Farm is a win for the land, environment, and community.
8How will the Solar Farm benefit the economy?
Electricity powers all aspects of the economy. The Solar Farm will create construction jobs and money will be spent locally on labor, accommodations, and supplies. Ongoing maintenance and landscaping will also create local jobs. The Solar Farm will also provide substantial tax revenue to the municipality for the life of the project. Finally, major companies consider access to renewable energy in expanding operations; the Solar Farm is a great marketing tool for the municipality.
9Does the Solar Farm increase the cost of electricity?
No. The physical power produced by the Solar Farm is sold at market prices, just like power produced from any other power plant. Geographically distributed power production like this project builds grid resiliency and reliability.
10What happens if the Solar Farm does not get built?
The option to lease is terminated and you have no continued obligation to us. The option payments that you received are non-refundable and yours to keep.
11How long is the lease term?
The lease agreement is for 25 years and gives us the right to extend for an additional 15 years, in five-year increments.
12Does the Solar Farm negatively impact neighboring property values?
No. Appraisals conducted throughout the Commonwealth have demonstrated no negative impact from Solar Farms on adjacent properties.
13Who buys the power produced by the Solar Farm?
The Power Producer generally sells electricity to the local utility for them to power the grid.
14Will I see or hear the Solar Farm?
Inverters are the only component that makes noise. Inverters are only audible within 150 feet of the equipment. Our Solar Farms are designed so that inverters will be more than 150 feet from property boundary, leaving no discernable noise. Our Solar Farms are designed to minimize visibility. However, depending on the specific site, the panels may be visible.
MEGAWATT FARMING
CONTACT US
To start a conversation about hosting a Solar Farm