FAQ

Q:

Who develops renewable energy projects?

Renewable energy projects are typically developed by companies that specialize in renewable energy, focusing on the planning, construction, and operation of utility-scale solar and wind farms. These companies work closely with landowners, local communities, and government authorities to ensure that the projects are beneficial for all stakeholders, providing clean energy while respecting environmental and community needs.

Q:

Why are renewable energy projects being developed in specific areas?

Projects are pursued in areas where landowners are interested in leasing their land and see solar, wind or energy storage as a good use for their property. These projects are often located in communities where they can provide significant benefits, such as creating local jobs, generating new tax revenue, and offering long-term financial stability for landowners who lease their land for these projects.

Q:

What benefits does renewable energy projects provide for local communities?

These projects bring several benefits to local communities, including the creation of jobs during construction and ongoing operations. They also generate local tax revenue, which can be used to support schools, infrastructure, and public services. Additionally, these projects offer land preservation opportunities, allowing farmland to be used for a fixed time and then restored for future agricultural use.

Q:

What does a renewable energy project look like, and how will it affect nearby residents?

Renewable energy projects are typically designed with the surrounding community in mind. Developers often implement vegetation management plans to create visual screening using local plants, minimizing the impact on neighboring residents and maintaining the aesthetic of the local landscape. There are also often distances set from any local landmarks, homes and other communities elements.

Q:

Do solar panels work on cloudy days and at night?

Solar panels generate the most electricity in direct sunlight, but they can still produce energy on cloudy days, using indirect or diffuse sunlight. Additionally, many solar projects are paired with energy storage systems, which allow excess energy produced during the day to be stored and used when demand increases, such as in the evening or at night.

Q:

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes, solar panels are effective in cold weather and continue to generate electricity even in winter. Snow typically slides off the panels or is blown away, ensuring that the panels remain exposed to sunlight. Cold temperatures can also improve the efficiency of solar panels.

Q:

How are solar panels disposed of?

There are now multiple companies operating in the U.S. with the capacity to recycle solar panels currently aging out of use. In the decades to come, as many more panels are retired, recycling firms will be ready to process them.

Q:

What happens when a renewable energy project is decommissioned?

When a project reaches the end of its operational life, a decommissioning plan is put into action. This plan ensures that all equipment is safely removed, and the land is restored to its original condition or returned to its prior use, such as farming.

Q:

Do solar panels contain hazardous materials?

Solar panels used in large-scale projects are required to meet strict environmental safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards ensure that the panels do not release any hazardous substances during normal operations, even if a panel is damaged.

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