Situla Solar Energy Project

The project is estimated to generate over  $1.4 million per year ($42 million for the 30-year life of the project) in Nebraska Nameplate Capacity Taxes, the majority of which will go to the local schools and county. 

Yes, solar energy is one of the lowest impact forms of energy production. Solar panels are low to the ground, do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions, are virtually noiseless, and do not create odors or harmful byproducts. Solar panels will not release any toxic or hazardous substances into the environment and no such substances are used during operation of the project. They also do not deplete natural resources or cause environmental damage through resource extraction and transportation. In addition, solar panels do not use significant amounts of water during operation, keeping this water available for farming and other activities. 

A decommissioning and recycling plan has been submitted as part of the Conditional Use Permit and provides an overview of all anticipated activities during the decommissioning phase of the project. The report outlines mitigation measures to address potential impacts as a result of these activities as well as plans for recycling and/or removal of materials. A decommissioning bond will be provided between Situla and landowners to ensure proper removal of project infrastructure and remediation of the site, at the discretion of the landowners. 

No, and our experience is quite the opposite. The shades under panels experience relatively lower temperature and provide shelter for small vegetation to grow. 

Panels do not create sound. Inverters and power transformers make a slight hum but will be placed inside the project area, far from the border, and so will be inaudible to anyone outside the project boundary.