CLIMMER — A second solar power project for the Town of Climber is proposed on Climber Hill Road.
The 5-megawatt project by Clean Choice Energy will cover 30 acres and can power 1,000 homes. Clean Choice Energy is not seeking any setbacks and, if approved, construction is expected to occur in 2024. The project is scheduled to last 30 years until decommissioning.
Project manager Griff Jones, who attended the Clymer Town Board hearing, said the site selection process depends on several aspects.
“Of course, we don’t just walk down the street and say, ‘Here’s a field that looks nice, let’s put solar on it,'” Jones says. “First and foremost is the availability of interconnections. National Grid power lines run through the site.”
Jones added that the nature of the community is also an important factor, noting that solar projects are more common in rural areas, primarily because of less noise and lower surface structures. Other factors in site selection include zoning laws, visibility, and environmental impact.
Jones said the company took the time to visit nearby properties within 500 feet of the proposed solar project site and discuss the plans with residents. Mr. Jones also noted that the neighbors should be aware that there are no discernible noises, no reduction in traffic, secure fencing, low-visibility panels, that the panels are screened, and that the panels do not emit any type of glare. He also mentioned other factors that may be of concern.
“If you think about solar panels, if they’re reflecting sunlight, you’re not making any money,” Jones said. “According to the Department of Energy, panels absorb 98% of the light and reflect about 2%.”
Jones’ presentation included further key points, including revenue, no new sewer or water lines needed, the land can be used for agriculture again after the project, the material of the panels, and the value of the property. was. Impact and compliance with solar power laws. Jones also discussed pilot and community agreements and fire concerns.
Questions from the group included: What happens if the project does not generate the expected 5 megawatts of electricity? Jones said once the project gets underway, production will be in line with expectations, adding that while winters and cloudy years tend to reduce yields, yields are not as low as expected. He added that even if production has decreased a little, it will continue because it is still there and making money.
“Yields drop a little in the winter, but not as much as you might think,” Jones says. “It’s cloudy means you’re going to the beach on a cloudy day, but you forgot your sunscreen?” It’s still sunny. It may not be as sunny as a perfectly sunny day, but it’s still sunny. ”
Jones added that solar panels work more efficiently in the cold.
Other topics discussed centered on a three-year reassessment of ties between the company and the town, whether electricity bills will come down, how community solar power projects work, housing prices, and environmental impact. it was done.
Questions were asked about cutting down trees on the property, destroying habitat for bats and birds, and DEC’s review process was discussed, including that trees should not be cut during nesting season. Jones said there is no bat habitat on the property. Research is also being conducted on how solar panels affect bats and birds, and whether bats and birds may mistake them for water. Specific studies have been conducted on the mortality of bats and birds caused by solar panels, and the effects have been shown to be minimal.
There were more questions about destroying the environment, and the answer was that the babies would move to other trees nearby. Projects are allowed to cut down a minimum number of trees, but not on a large scale and must follow a certain amount.
Town Supervisor Brian Willink said public hearings on the project will be held until the December meeting.