Answering Your Questions

The Paddlefish Solar Project will make an estimated $350 million of minimum investment. This means that over the life of the project, it will generate $90 million in stable, long-term tax revenue that will go directly to the county budgets. The increased funding will be used on local schools and other critical services, such as police and fire. This investment and revenue generation will amount to a significant addition to the tax base, which will help stabilize and/or lower tax rates. Local businesses in related or supportive industries will also see an influx of $15 million+ of indirect benefits from labor, services, and material supply before, during and after construction. Furthermore, renewable energy, including solar, is in high demand by utilities and businesses, and can help attract new companies to move in with more investment and job opportunities to areas where energy is available.

The Paddlefish Solar Project will create more than 350 local jobs during construction (expected to take about 2 years), as well as three long-term positions in operations and maintenance.

During the development process, people are employed conducting site surveys, permitting, community engagement, land acquisition and many more activities. Construction is anticipated to take about 2 years, and at its peak, require more than 350 workers. A significant component of the labor force will be expected from local unions in Indiana. Part of our three+ -person operations team is expected to be staffed locally if candidates for the position are available.

There is a lot of planning that goes into the selection of a location for a proposed solar facility, primarily broken down into four main parts.

• The ideal site will have existing transmission infrastructure already in place with available capacity to handle the power the proposed project will generate.
• Interested landowners with enough land to host the project, whose land is fairly flat, primarily free of environmental concerns (like wetlands or karst.)
• Location, Location, Location! The ideal site will be near areas with significant power demand with a solar resource aligned with area power consumption needs.
• The project needs to be economically feasible for it to be market competitive. Costs associated with transmission connectivity/up-grades, landowner participation, project components (solar panels, steel, etc.) and/or construction can impact the project’s overall cost.

Paddlefish Solar Project is completing a thorough permitting process that takes a minimum of two years to complete with multiple opportunities for input from all stakeholders. The operation phase is intended to last 40 years after which time the project would be decommissioned and the land returned to its previous use, including farming.

No tax dollars are being used to build the project. The project only receives a tax credit (i.e., tax discount) as electricity is sold to the grid.

Solar projects require no water services, no sewer service, and no other taxpayer-supported services.

Yes, once Paddlefish Solar is in operation the land that has panels on it will be assessed and taxed at the industrial tax rate, which is significantly higher than land with crops. The Project pays these taxes, not the landowner or the county.

Currently, all forms of energy generation – including, coal, gas, and solar – as well as agriculture, receive some form of public economic support.

In terms of federal support, a benefit of solar is that after a one-time, up-front federal tax credit (a.k.a. a waiver of some tax obligations to the federal government), there are very few costs associated with operating the facility after it is constructed. This is not the case for other types of power plants.

If we consider a level playing field where the other projects also forgo subsidies, then Paddlefish Solar absolutely would be able to compete effectively. This is illustrated clearly in Lazard’s 2023 Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis, which provides a look at the cost of energy from different sources without subsidies. Data also shows that solar is now a significantly cheaper source of electricity generation than coal, gas, and nuclear.

Utility-scale solar projects do not increase electricity costs. In fact, they can lower the cost of electricity for residents, businesses and local governments. Solar has become one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation, dropping 89% in the decade leading up to 2019. Solar also generates its maximum amount of electricity at times of day when demand and power costs are highest.

Utility bills are rising across the country, but states with the high levels of renewable energy generation have experienced the lowest rate increases – according to a study from the think tank Energy Innovation. The study also found that the biggest factors causing bills to go up include natural gas volatility and dependence on coal.

It is a common misconception that utility-scale solar farms decrease nearby property values. The effects of solar energy developments on home prices have been thoroughly researched. Studies on the impact the property values near utility-scale solar developments show:

• No statistically significant negative impact.
• In some cases, a positive impact, likely due to the economic boost solar developments can have
  on a local economy.

Numerous studies of potential impacts to property values from solar development show that facilities sited in rural areas, like Paddlefish Solar, have no measurable negative impacts on surrounding property values.

For example, the tax advisory firm CohnReznick studied the sale marketability of residential properties and agricultural land near solar facilities in Indiana and Illinois, and found no negative impact on property values due to proximity to the facilities. Furthermore, the University of Rhode Island analyzed 415,000+ real estate transactions and found no impact on property values located in rural areas.

A study by Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory looked at over 1.8 million home transactions in six states, which together account for more than half installed capacity of utility-scale solar in the U.S. It found no statistically significant effects on homes 1+ miles from a project, and that houses within a half mile of a solar project had an average home price reduction of 1.5%.

In some cases, studies have shown positive impacts on values of properties near solar projects. These increases are likely due to the disproportionately positive economic impact solar developments can have on a local economy, which can mean more local investments, better schools, and lower taxes. For example, the Chair of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers National Appraisal Review Committee has done several market studies examining the impact of solar on surrounding residential values; and said, “Most of the locations were in either suburban or rural areas, and all of those studies found either a neutral impact or, ironically, a positive impact...” Additionally, a study in partnership between Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) the University of Texas at Austin surveyed approximately 400 property value assessors nationwide and found most respondents believe that proximity to a solar installation has either no impact or a positive impact on home values.

Furthermore, Paddlefish Solar is designed to have visual screening, such as natural vegetation and trees, as well as setbacks. Analysis and valuation experts find that these measures can further ensure that nearby property values are not negatively affected.

State siting boards and public utility commissions have researched this issue and concurred with the assessments showing no impacts on property values, and approved solar projects on that basis in other states, for example, in Kentucky.

Paddlefish Solar is also helping to offset energy costs for neighbors of the project. For landowners whose properties adjoin the project site, the Paddlefish Neighbor Program is offering a $750 annual credit on their annual energy bill (this benefit can be transferred with the property in case of a sale). This program will begin once the project is under construction and will last for the first 15 years of the project.

A thorough community engagement process began more than two years ago. The Paddlefish project team was engaged in numerous calls and meetings with officials Wells and Huntington County and the general public to discuss the project and address any questions or interests brought forward.

Members of the public can share feedback with the project team or ask questions at any time by connecting with our local representative by calling (260) 355-5951 or by emailing
info@paddlefishsolar.com.

Solar panels are safe and non-toxic. Solar panels sold today have passed stringent hazardous waste tests and are considered non-toxic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).They are made of glass, aluminum, silicon, and semi-conducting material, and do not contain liquid. Almost all of the components of a solar panel can be recycled. At the time of decommissioning, panels may be reused, recycled, or safely disposed of. The project land can be restored to its original condition likely with improved soil quality given the ability for the nutrient content to improve versus continual cultivation.

Solar projects are safe. They produce no air pollution, no water pollution, and no chemical emissions.

Furthermore, over time, solar farms offer significant improvements to local water quality, compared to active row crops. Native grass ground cover that is planted on solar farms is beneficial for the soil in the long term and creates less erosion and reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Citing clean air benefits, a North Carolina State University study notes that “the overall impact of solar development on human health is overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Reports Sustainability found that renewable energy generation, including through solar, provided $249 billion in climate and air quality health benefits from 2019-2022.

Some solar panels, like many other electronic devices we use everyday (smartphones, laptops, cars, etc.), contain a negligible amount of lead. In fact, one solar panel contains half the amount of lead found in a single shotgun shell. Furthermore, because solar panels are elevated on piles, encapsulated, and waterproof, the lead does not contact the ground, so there is no risk of contamination.

The vast majority of solar panels, including the crystalline silicon panels proposed for Paddlefish Solar, are classified as non-toxic waste. Nor do the panels proposed for the project contain any PFAS, GenX, or related chemicals. Solar panels must undergo and pass the EPA’s “Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure” (TCLP) test, which determines whether waste products have the potential to leach toxic chemicals when disposed of in a landfill. Even so, almost all of the components of solar panels can be recycled.

EDF Renewables has signed an agreement with SolarCycle a technology-based solar recycling company, to recycle solar panels damaged or broken during construction and operation from our solar sites. SolarCycle’s proprietary technology allows for extraction of 95% of the value from recycled panes including silver, silicon, copper, aluminum, and glass.

Further, there are no anticipated emissions to the ground, air or water as a result of the operation of solar panels. As no soil contamination is anticipated, the land can be safely utilized for farming after site decommissioning.

We typically design with non-galvanized steel piles, which could only result in rust. However, in instances when galvanized piles with zinc coating may be used, there is no cause for concern.

Zinc is an essential element that is a natural and inherent part of our environment – and even comes in most multivitamins. A study from the American Galvanizers Association determined the addition of zinc to the water environment during stormwater runoff did not exceed the criterion level for zinc defined by the U.S. Federal Clean Water Act. In fact, the additional zinc was found to be at least 100 times less than the permissible level of zinc in drinking water.

Furthermore, galvanized steel, which is coated with a protective layer of zinc, is known for corrosion resistance. In corrosive environments, however, galvanized steel can still corrode over time. But again, studies have shown that small amounts of additional zinc from galvanizing added to the environment over decades is not enough to harm any organisms. Galvanized steel is also safely and commonly used in other infrastructure in close proximity to people and wildlife, including bridges, animal enclosures and storage silos, sheet metal roofing, and home framing.

Solar panels rarely catch fire and are not combustible. In the unlikely event of a fire within a solar panel, it would smolder and not likely spread. The most likely fire emergency, if any, would be the result of a brush fire in the grassland below an array, similar to a brush fire in a farm field.

During the permitting process and before construction starts, the project team will meet with local EMS officials to confirm the appropriate training and response protocols to be followed. A Safety Response Plan and Site Security Plan will be prepared as part of the permitting process and reviewed with local EMS officials before construction starts. In the event of a fire, the fire department will be easily able to immediately access the fenced areas. All of our facilities will include mounted safes and first responders will have the keys to enter the facility.

One misconception that solar sometimes faces is that solar developments can create chemical fires. This is simply untrue. Solar panels and the equipment within solar arrays do not contain any materials that could result in a chemical fire. They are made mostly of glass and aluminum, which are not flammable. According to an North Carolina State University study, “concern over solar fire hazards should be limited because only a small portion of materials in the panels are flammable, and those components cannot self-support a significant fire.”

The site management team would be responsible for shutting down the power. This would be done through our 24/7 Operational Control Center or local operations staff.

In the case of an emergency, the site management team has the capacity to shut down the power feeding the lines within seconds and can immediately disconnect the whole system from the high-power lines.

Solar panels are durable, made of tempered glass, a thick poly backing, and rigid aluminum framing. They can resist impact from golf ball sized hail and do not shatter when broken.

Hail can be a risk to solar panels in a similar way that hail is a risk to the roof of your house. Before a solar project is built, solar panels go through rigorous testing for production and manufacturing approval. Their unique design allows them to withstand harsh weather elements such as hail, torrential rain, and wind. With advancement in technology, operation and maintenance team members can tilt the panels to avoid heavy impact from hail or other storms. If panels are damaged, they will be replaced, and the damaged panel will be recycled.

Paddlefish Solar provides landowners with stable revenue, which allows them to diversify their income, supports continued agricultural operations, and prevents other permanent uses of the land such as residential and clustered development.

Solar project leases offer consistency and assurances the typical agricultural farmer doesn’t see very often. The lease generates long-term, dependable income and allows the landowner to retain ownership of their family farm for future generations. In many cases, the lease payments are higher than the typical crop lease, may provide an opportunity to purchase additional land to actively work, and the stability of the lease payments guards against the volatility of the agricultural market they might experience on other parcels they continue to farm.

The Paddlefish Solar Project will take only 0.7%* of the farmland in Wells County, and 0.16%** of the farmland in Huntington County.

A recent study shows that Indiana lost 345,700 acres of farmland mostly to residential development between 2010 and 2022 – accounting for about 1.4% of the state’s land area – but agricultural production still increased during that period of time.

Most landowners in solar projects are farmers who see solar as a conservation tool and a long-term investment. They care about their land and want to do what is right for the family, business, and community. Most landowners in a project are leasing their land to the solar company, not selling, meaning that when the field is decommissioned in 30-40 years, the land can once again be used for agriculture. This is especially important in areas of Indiana that are seeing growth in housing, industry, and other development.

** 357ac of solar behind the fence in Huntington (0.16% of Huntington farmland)
Huntington Farmland acreage in 2022 is 219,609ac. Source: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18069.pdf

* 1,450ac of solar behind the fence in Wells (0.7% of ag land in Wells)
Wells Farmland acreage in 2022 is 201,538ac. Source: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18179.pdf

Farmland is flat and cleared - two characteristics suitable for solar energy as it reduces the need for extensive land grading and/or tree removal. Further, siting projects on and adjacent to working lands helps reduce the potential for conflicts with other resources of concern to stakeholders, such as wildlife and their habitat and historic/cultural resources that can come up with projects pursued in previously undisturbed lands.

Nationally, solar energy powers 5% of the grid. For solar energy to power 45% of the grid, only 0.6% of existing farmland would be required. For comparison, about 4.5% of farmland is currently used to produce ethanol for vehicle fuel.

Solar projects are low-impact land uses that can safely operate next to neighboring agricultural operations. There are spaces between rows of panels large enough for maintenance equipment to travel. This means sunlight and rain reach the ground.

The natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients, just as agriculture conservation programs recommend, making the land more profitable upon return to agricultural use in the future. Planting of native grasses and pollinator friendly groundcover creates new habitats for bees, birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. So after the life of the solar project, the soil has the potential to be in even better condition for agricultural use than it is today.

At Paddlefish Solar, the rows of solar panels will only cover approximately 42% of the land within the fenced area and will be planted with various types of grasses, with the option for additional types of vegetation that may be requested through the permitting process.

When rainwater hits the solar panels, it will fall on the ground. The vegetation beneath the solar panels will slow the flow of water, compared to having row cropping, allowing the water to infiltrate. The solar site behaves like a meadow. The solar panels shade the ground (keep in mind that the panels rotate to follow the sun, so the ground is not constantly shaded), decreasing evaporation and maintaining higher soil moisture.

For solar projects, the discharge rate of stormwater from a solar facility is less than it was for a row crop site because a higher percentage of the land is covered in vegetation and does not have bare soil like agricultural fields do. That means there is more water being retained on site to recharge local aquifers.

EDF Renewables designs its projects so that grading is avoided or minimal. However, if some amount of grading is contemplated to avoid disrupting previous water runoff patterns, a hydrology study will be conducted to understand how the proposed grading plan at the project site may impact surface water runoff under normal and extreme conditions. By identifying hydrological conditions and potential drainage issues, mitigation measures, including grading and drainage routing, will be factored into design, and detailed in the final drainage and grading plan for the project. Indiana has strict rules around Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). The Indiana rules can be found here: https://www.in.gov/idem/stormwater/industrial-storm-water-permitting/storm-water-pollution-preventionplan-swp3-development/

The grass cover typically planted and maintained under and between each row of panels represents a net reduction in chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides that are often primary sources of groundwater contamination over the life of the project.

Similar to crops, a properly operating solar project requires a well-drained surface. EDF Renewables has successfully built several solar projects on land containing robust drain tile systems and is experienced in preventing drainage issues for both project landowners and their neighbors.

The Project will work to avoid negative impacts to drainage tile systems within the Project area by conducting a thorough survey of existing data on the drain tile system in the area, proactively repairing and upgrading drain tile prior to construction if necessary, implementing construction best practices around drain tile that have already been successful elsewhere and guaranteeing the integrity of the system through decommissioning. The Project has drainage protection written into solar leases with landowners, and as part of the permitting process has to submit a Drainage Maintenance and Repair plan to be approved by the local Drainage Board.

When siting a solar project, there are several considerations to take into account, including access to the high-power lines, other uses on and near the property, the willingness of landowner to sign a lease, and amount of traffic and people in the area. Projects are sited in areas that provide access to the high-power grid system, and those do not include parking lots and industrial areas because they lack sufficient space to allow for the amount of power that needs to be produced, and the local utility company would not be able to carry the large power load. The parking lots and industrial areas may have been farmland at some point in the past, but the landowner chose to sell their land for development. Additionally, tillable farm ground in Indiana has been used for energy production for decades – today 43% of Indiana’s corn is used for ethanol, and 26% of soybean oil is used for biodiesel.

When a project site is being considered, developers conduct several environmental assessments, including wildlife studies, to ensure there is minimal impact to the area. Once operational, there is very little activity at the solar project, so wildlife quickly returns. Most projects are configured with multiple farm fields connected via buried electrical lines versus one large contiguous area. This results in the potential for wildlife corridors for wildlife to pass through the project outside of the fence line.

EDF Renewables uses agricultural-style fencing on our projects. Agricultural fencing (also known as welded wire), which is selected because it blends into the landscape better than chain-link and is more durable, has large openings so that small wildlife can pass through.

Projects like Paddlefish Solar are designed to avoid woodlots. Solar projects are sited to the greatest extent possible on lands that are already cleared.

No, EDF Renewables uses agricultural style fences for perimeter fencing on our projects, not chain-link and not barbed wire. Agricultural fencing (also known as a welded wire) is selected because it blends into the landscape better than chain-link and is more durable. It has large openings so that small wildlife (rabbits, squirrels, birds) can pass through. Both Wells and Huntington County have ordinance requirements of at least 6-feet tall for locked gates and perimeter fencing.

Electrical substations are required by federal law to have security fencing that does include height standards and can include barbed wire.

The project will complete environmental surveys to document the locations of all streams, rivers, and wetlands. The project has established setbacks from streams of 100 feet.
These locations will be provided to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and these streams will be protected during construction by the project’s storm water pollution prevention plan as required by state law. An overview of Indiana’s wetland regulations can be found here: https://www.in.gov/idem/wetlands/information-about/state-regulatedwetlands- program/overview-of-idem-state-regulated-wetland-permit-types/

Bald Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act by the US Fish and Wildlife Service which prohibits anyone from disturbing eagles without a permit. Surveys will be completed ahead of construction to be sure the project is not disturbing bald eagles and will comply with all requirements under this Act. For more information about the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act see: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2010-title16/pdf/USCODE-2010-title16-chap5AsubchapII.pdf

A solar project is a low-impact development in that it is a temporary use of the land. This isn’t a sprawling residential development or shopping mall that cannot easily be removed at the end of its useful life.

The natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients, just as agriculture conservation programs recommend, making the land more profitable upon return to agricultural use in the future. Planting of native grasses and pollinator friendly groundcover – creates new habitats for bees, birds, small mammals, and other wildlife.

All large-scale solar farms apply for federal permits for water quality, erosion, and sedimentation control. This permit requires low impact construction and grading to be used, and photovoltaic panels within an array must be arranged to minimize runoff and allow vegetation growth beneath and between panels. Beyond these environmental permits, solar developers consult with other state and federal agencies such as the State Historic Preservation Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when developing projects. These approvals are in addition to county and municipal approvals for zoning, development, and similar issues.

Learn more about solar permitting here: https://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/Solar%20Energy%20%26%20Agriculture%20Factsheet.pdf

Paddlefish Solar will generate enough clean, home-grown electricity – using American-made solar panels – to power the equivalent of more than 64,000 homes. Indiana currently consumes about four times more energy than the state produces, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration Adding additional capacity will help meet demand while keeping more money in-state, help secure the energy grid, and contribute to energy independence.

The sun is a solar energy facility’s closest companion, but that’s not to say electricity won’t be generated on a cloudy day. Just like you can get a sunburn on an overcast day, solar panels will continue to produce electricity during cloudy weather. With advanced technology, solar panels can convert both direct and indirect sunlight into electricity.

Rain will limit energy production but is a safe way to clean panels that may have accumulated production blockers such as dirt, pollen, or dust. Clean solar panels will be more efficient and have higher energy production rates without small particles blocking the sun’s rays.

Operation and maintenance team members will be able to vertically tilt the solar panels to minimize the accumulation of snow on the panels. Once a snowstorm has passed through, the panels can return to tracking the sun and harvesting clean energy.

The panels used at Paddlefish Solar will be bifacial. This means they can harvest energy directly from the sun on the face of the panel as well as from the reflection of the sun off the snow beneath the panel. This allows the panel to be more efficient and productive in harvesting energy from the sun.

The site location and panel productivity are carefully studied for each solar project and project designs take factors such as average cloud cover and angle of the sun into account in order to optimize the design. Modeling software that accounts for flooding, seismic hazards, wind, hail, tornadoes, and lightning are also studied and EDF Renewables’ engineers design each site with all of those factors considered.

Utility-scale solar is an important part of the energy mix. Indiana consumes about four times more energy than the state produces. We not only need more power supply, but a more diverse energy grid is a more reliable energy grid.

Solar energy is inevitably variable by nature since it depends on the availability of sunlight. For example, output can vary during the day due to weather conditions, and electricity cannot be produced at night. Supply and demand needs to be matched on the electricity grid, and other sources of electricity are used when solar energy is not available or limited. For example, at times of peak sun and solar generation, solar plants can produce at their maximum while other generation sources are ramped down.

Solar energy actually creates increased predictability and reliability for grid operators. They know when the sun will set, but they don’t know when factors impacting fossil fuel resources will occur — for example, when a critical component at a gas plant breaks, or when a global crisis reduces fossil fuel supplies.

Projects like Paddlefish Solar are typically built to serve local and regional demand. The reality of the power transmission grid is that it’s consumed as it’s needed first - electricity that is injected into the electric grid is consumed by the sources of demand closest to it, powering homes and businesses in Wells and Huntington Counties. Any excess will flow through to the grid to the next area of demand in Indiana and beyond.

At this point, the electricity generated by the project would be sold to the merchant market and not available for direct purchase from persons or businesses in the local community. Electricity that is injected into the electric grid is consumed by the sources of demand closest to it so there is a good chance that power feeding into your home or business will come from the Paddlefish Solar Project.

There are existing electric transmission lines that run through the project area and a substation which makes the connection to the grid feasible. The electricity will be funneled to a single connection point and then fed into the grid.

Adding solar to the power grid can help lower electricity bills.

Not only is solar now a significantly cheaper source of electricity generation than coal, gas and nuclear, but it also diversifies the grid, giving power companies stability and the ability to better serve customers. As Indiana Michigan Power stated, “diversity of generation sources also increases I&M’s flexibility to better serve customers by having options to address future changes in regulatory policies and price volatility of energy prices for the various forms of generation.”

Overall, Indiana consumes almost four times more energy than the state produces. More information about Indiana energy estimates can be found here: https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=IN

Once the solar panels are installed, they are intended to produce electricity for 30-40 years. Much of the world is turning to renewable energy, including solar energy. There are benefits created by replacing fossil fuel generation with renewable energy. For example, “analysis from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, both affiliates of the U.S. Department of Energy, estimates the health-related air quality benefits to the southeast region from solar PV generators to be worth 8.0 cents per kilowatt-hour of solar generation.”

Paddlefish Solar is committed to minimizing viewshed impacts using generous setbacks, vegetative screening, and agricultural-style fencing.

Ground-mounted solar panels for this project have a visual profile like a large greenhouse operation. Keep in mind that the panels rotate through the day so they will look different based on the angle. Viewed from 250’ or 450’ away (the setback from residences and roads will vary), the solar panels have only a minor viewshed impact. This impact will be further reduced in areas where there is existing vegetation, as well as adjacent to homes and along certain roadways, where the project is required to install visual buffers in the form of trees and shrubs.

The Project has prepared a Landscape Mitigation Planting Plan that will govern the establishment of permanent vegetation around the perimeter of the project. The density and height of the trees and shrubs takes into account the location of residences. For example, the trees and shrubs will be planted where the panels would otherwise be most visible from a residence. These Plans are developed with the goal of minimizing and mitigating the Project’s visual effects on the surrounding landscape.

Solar projects are quiet neighbors. Solar panels themselves are completely silent. Certain pieces of equipment of a utility-scale solar project, including inverters, emit a small amount of sound, but only during daylight hours and this equipment is strategically placed distant from the project boundary. Transportation and maintenance equipment – including trucks – are also a common source of low-emitting noise within utility-scale solar projects that community members are used to hearing elsewhere and that are comparable to farming activity.

During construction, activities will temporarily contribute noise to the area, efforts will be undertaken to limit the noise to times of the day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The Project will have a Road Use Agreement with the County that includes legal agreements to fund any necessary repairs. The Project agrees to use the roads in a reasonable and prudent manner sharing the roads with other public traffic in a normal manner. The Project will provide a video survey of the Roads proposed to be bonded, together with public drains located in the right of way prior to the initiation of Project construction. This video will be prepared by an independent third-party engineer licensed in Indiana. In order to protect the interests of the Commissioners and the county residents, the Project is required to provide a surety bond or an escrow payment credited to the County Highway Departments. The Project has agreed to make reasonable repairs as needed, to the extent damage has been caused by its use of the Roads as determined by the Independent Engineer hired by the County.

No, EDF Renewables will be on the hook for any decommissioning costs at the end of the project’s lifetime.

Under a Decommissioning Agreement with the County, EDF Renewables sets aside a surety bond in a form of cash held in escrow by the County Treasurer or a bank, or a letter of credit, or a bond before Projects become Operational. The amount is determined by two Indiana-licensed Engineers of the County’s choosing. To account for inflation and any other cost changes, the bond amount will be revised every 5 years after operations begin.

Yes! Any property that will host project infrastructure will have a lease or easement agreement and will receive a form of compensation (typically annual payments per acre). Most of our land holdings are leased through a negotiated contract with landowners that contains commitments to drainage protection, decommissioning and soil restoration among others. In addition to that, we typically purchase ~10-20 acres of land for a substation where the project will connect to the electric grid.

As stewards of the land, often spanning multiple generations, farmers are in touch with the best use of their land. Farmers have the right to utilize their property as they see fit and to farm the sun for electricity, just as they do today for food, fiber, and biofuels. Many landowners in Wells and Huntington County currently produce corn that is used for ethanol and now some have chosen to produce energy from the sun to power the local community.

When landowners choose to use their land to farm the sun, they are simply choosing to provide another equally critical commodity — home-grown, American-made energy.

No, they are American-made. EDF Renewables has signed a supply agreement for solar panels using solar cells made in Jeffersonville, Indiana and assembled in Mesquite, Texas. This module supply agreement demonstrates EDF Renewables' commitment to domestic sourcing to use Made-in-USA solar modules and enhances our ability to minimize risks linked to trade uncertainties and supply chain fluctuations.

This Project is located entirely on privately owned land as confirmed through title searches and professional surveys. There are no Indian Reservations in the project area.

The project has contracted with an Archaeological Investigator to study the project area and a one-mile buffer of the project. The Indiana State Historic and Architectural and archaeological research database was reviewed. State and federal rules require us to do a survey of historical and cultural resources and limit our ability to construct in areas where resources of significance are identified. An archaeological investigator would be contracted to do this study and we will just adjust our design accordingly if anything of significance is found.