Community Solar – Frequently Asked Questions
PrintUpdated 3-20-25
Q: Where will the panels be placed – location is critical in the success of the project.
A: The panels will be located on flat pastureland. One reason that site was selected is because of the unintrusive topography. The hill to the north (where our substation is) won’t impact the facility since the panels will be facing south. The site is also far enough away from the mountains that shading is minimized.
Q: Were feasibility studies conducted? Is this the most optimal location in the valley? If not, why was this site selected?
A: A feasibility study was done by an outside engineering firm that specializes in solar farm development. The study looked at our service territory in Star Valley – roughly from Alpine to Smoot. Their model included both terrain and years of historical weather patterns. From this model, plots of land most favorable for solar were identified along with the landowners. All the landowners where solar was feasible were sent letters asking if they would be interested in leasing us enough property to build the facility. We had a significant amount of positive interest and in addition to solar production, we analyzed the plots for site access (we need to be near a road) and the ability to connect to our system (the closer to existing power lines and substations are a plus).
Q: Do the panels have the capability to rotate to maximize sunlight exposure?
A: The panels will be in a “fixed mount” configuration as opposed to a “single-axis” configuration. Fixed mount means they will not move but will be facing south and angled to get the optimal amount of sunlight. The angle was calculated based on sun patterns and environmental conditions (snow, rain, etc.). This type of configuration (fixed) was chosen to minimize construction and maintenance costs but maximize generation.
Q: What are the ongoing maintenance costs for the panels? How will vegetation management be handled? Will pesticides be used? If so, what measures are in place to protect groundwater?
A: Ongoing maintenance costs are minimal compared to other types of generation even when compared to our existing hydro facilities. We will perform regular plant checks, but solar farms are about as close to maintenance free as you can get.
The facility will be built just like our switchyards. A gravel base with a substrate will be laid to minimize weed growth and make site maintenance (including snow removal) easier. Like our substations, if weeds sprout, we will spray to control them and eliminate the potential for noxious weed growth. The gravel substrate used in our substations and in this facility is designed to protect groundwater. We’ve had great success using this technique over the past 90 years.
Q: How will snow be managed on the solar panels?
A: The panels will be angled a little bit more than the typical solar farm so that snow can more easily slide off the panels. The solar industry is very experienced with snowy conditions (even snowier than we get) and this site will be designed from the beginning to handle the snow load. We routinely manage snowfall at our substations and hydro plants (Strawberry Creek and Swift Creek) and are very confident that we can handle the conditions at this facility.
Q: What happens if a panel is faulty? Who is responsible for the cost of replacement? How long does it take to replace a faulty panel?
A: All equipment comes with a multi-year warranty and the manufacturers will be responsible for any defects or issues during that time. The initial funding of the project contemplates post-warranty maintenance costs, and the project will have enough funds available on the first day of operation to maintain the facility for its life.
As part of the engineering, design, and construction process, we will have spare parts in inventory to allow quick repair or replacement of faulty equipment.
Q: What is the total cost of this project, including installation, maintenance, and land rent? Who is funding the project?
A: The total cost of the project for its entire life (including construction, maintenance, and decommissioning at the end of life) is roughly $4.4 million.
The project has no financial impact on LVE members (unless they wish to subscribe). Funding of the project comes from three sources: a portion of Teton County sales tax revenue, IRS tax credits, and subscriber fees. LVE customers, if they wish to participate, can buy shares in the project. The share purchase price is the subscriber fee (it’s a one-time fee) that goes towards construction and future upkeep costs of the facility.
Q: How many energy credits do shareholders receive from the solar panels? If a shareholder wants to sell their shares, what is the process?
A: We are limiting the number of shares in the project to no more than 2,000. Assuming that, a share is roughly equal to a $4-$5 monthly credit on your power bill. It will take about 12 years to break even on your initial purchase. This compares very favorably to individually buying and installing panels on your roof.
Shares are not transferable to other people. However, if you move within LVE’s service territory, you can move your monthly credit to your new address. If you leave us, you will forfeit your shares.
Q: How will this development impact property values for those living near the installation? Has the community voiced their concerns?
A: In talking with local real estate agents, the facility will have no adverse impact on property values. The gravel pit next door has greater visual impact, greater traffic impact, greater noise, and greater dust/pollution.
The community has expressed their concerns, and we acknowledge them. But again, compared to the gravel pit and asphalt batch plant next door, the visual impact is significantly less. The site will also be fenced with privacy slats to minimize any visual impact.
Q: Which customers will solar power be delivered to?
A: The power generated will go onto LVE’s grid and benefits will be shared by every LVE member, even those that do not subscribe.
- Subscribers will benefit from supporting renewable energy and receiving a monthly bill credit.
- Regular LVE members that do not subscribe will benefit from the added generation which will help keep rates low by reducing the amount of Tier 2 power that we must buy.
- Bedford members will get an added benefit since the generation will help stabilize the power line that runs from Strawberry Creek and will help reduce outages and blinks
