Q: What benefits will the Gateway Trails Solar Project bring to Clay County?
A: The Gateway Trails Solar Project will deliver the benefits of home harvested, reliable renewable energy to Clay County while generating American jobs throughout the development, construction, and operations phases of the project. The project represents an investment of over $48.5 million that will energize Clay County’s local economy without straining existing infrastructure and local services or permanently altering valuable farmland. It will also boost income for local landowners and support county services without raising taxes.
- 155 new jobs during the construction phase
- 20MW of homegrown Missouri power
- $1.2 million for Clay County schools over the project lifetime
- $111K annually in new local long-term earnings for Clay County
- $590K+ annually in new local long-term output for Clay County
- $1.4+ million in property taxes for all taxing districts over project lifetime
Solar leases offer Clay County farmers something rare in agriculture: guaranteed income they can count on, regardless of weather, crop prices, or market conditions. By adding solar to their land, farming families can secure their children’s future through steady yearly payments while keeping their land in the family. Best of all, once the solar project ends, the land returns to farming – meaning today’s farmers can both earn reliable income now and preserve their agricultural heritage for the next generation.
Q: Will taxpayer dollars fund the Gateway Trails Solar Project?
A: While all energy generators in the United States are eligible for tax incentives, there is no direct taxpayer funding of the Gateway Trails Solar Project. Instead, it’s projected to contribute at least $590,000 in new local long-term output for Clay County annually.
Q: What happens at the end of the project’s lifecycle?
A: At the end of the project’s lifecycle, the project site will be decommissioned and the land returned to its original condition at the expense of the operating development company. This arrangement provides farmers and landowners with stable, long-term income while preserving agricultural potential, offering a dual benefit of immediate financial security and future land flexibility.
Q: Where will Solis Renewables source the materials for the Gateway Trails Solar Project?
A: Solis Renewables selects all project materials based on rigorous quality and safety standards. While specific suppliers will be finalized during the procurement phase, all solar panels, mounting systems, and electrical components must meet strict industry certifications and federal safety requirements. Our procurement process prioritizes proven manufacturers with established track records in utility-scale solar development.
Q: Are solar farms harmful to local wildlife and the environment?
A: Solar farms are a low impact form of energy production. Solar infrastructure is emissions-free and solar panels are environmentally safe, releasing no toxic or hazardous substances into the environment. In fact, solar farms conserve water and allow farm soil to rest so that farmers may continue to have bountiful harvests for generations.
Q: What is the impact of solar farms on neighboring property values?
A: Solar farms are designed to be low profile and are typically developed with setbacks from roads, houses and other structures. They also utilize vegetative screening to minimize the visual impact. Independent studies, studies of home sales, and intel from local assessors in similar project areas have found little evidence that solar farms negatively impact neighboring property values.
Q: Will solar panels leach chemicals into our soil and water?
A: Solar panels undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure they meet all quality and safety standards and are able to withstand high winds, severe rain, and hail. If extreme weather does damage a panel, there is no leaching as the materials inside a solar panel are in a solid state.
Solar energy projects built on agricultural lands will allow the soil to rest for around 30 years. The U.S. Department of Energy (2022) states that “land can be reverted back to agricultural uses at the end of the operational life for solar installations. A life of a solar installation is roughly 20-25 years and can provide a recovery period, increasing the value of that land for agriculture in the future. Giving soil rest can also maintain soil quality and contribute to the biodiversity of agricultural land. Planting crops such as legumes underneath the solar installation can increase nutrient levels in the soil.”
Q: Do solar panels cause problematic glare?
A: No, solar panels rarely cause significant glare issues, for several key reasons:
- High Absorption Rate
- Solar panels are specifically engineered to absorb sunlight, not reflect it
- They reflect only about 2% of incoming light, making them highly efficient at minimizing glare
- Solar panels reflect less light than:
- Window glass
- Bodies of water
2. Prevention Methods
- Careful placement and positioning of panels during installation can minimize any potential glare
- Site planning considers surrounding areas and potential impact. This combination of low reflectivity and proper installation practices means glare from solar panels is rarely a concern for neighboring properties or infrastructure.
Q: How does the sound of large solar projects impact nearby residential and agricultural property?
A: Solar projects are designed to ensure minimal sound disturbance to surrounding properties. A low hum may be produced by tracking motors and inverter equipment; however, sound levels are significantly lower than other infrastructure like roads or industrial facilities.