Questions for Sunfish Solar developer BayWa

If you received the postcard above – and it seems everyone in Orange County did, you may be considering attending one of the meetings advertised on the card. It is important for county residents to be aware of this project and to ask questions. We do not need another utility scale solar project dragging on in Orange County. (Did you know that the "Madison Solar" project on Route 20, approved in 2017, is on its third owner and is STILL under construction?)

For anyone unfamiliar with the proposed Sunfish Solar project, we’ve outlined a number of questions you might want to ask the German project developer BayWa. If you want to dive deep, we have links to BayWa’s application materials and 6 reasons the county should say no to this project HERE.

The first four questions address items that were left unresolved after the April 2 Planning Commission work session with the developer. The developer was tasked with following up on a traffic plan and viewshed study.

Panels – Are fixed or tilt panels being used for the project and where are the panels made?

BayWa does not want to commit to the type of panel until later in the siting plan process. However, the type of panel chosen affects glare to homes and motorists, stormwater management, and the height of the landscaping needed to buffer the project. In response to a question about where the panels are made, the developer shared a vague reply about the decision being dependent on US manufacturing capability. The developer added that they are interested in domestic/local manufacturing and workforce to the extent that they can and hopeful they’ll be able to utilize. “Interested in” and “hopeful” are not the answers the county needs.

Will electricity customers potentially see a decrease in their bills if the site is approved?

The developer told the commissioners that the electricity produced will go into the grid and a tangible benefit to end users is unlikely.

Construction traffic – How will public safety on Route 522 be protected during the construction phase?

The planning commissioners asked for more information on the traffic plan. The developer had not talked to VDOT about the entry to True Blue from 522 and was completely unaware of the challenges associated with 522 in that area, which has been the scene of fatalities.

Will neighbors be able to see the project?

The commissioners expressed the need for additional viewshed studies. Initial studies offered by the developer were minimal as well as misleading because the renderings showed vegetation, not at the time of installation, but after a couple years of growth. The renderings also did not adequately model views of the project from 522.

Other questions that might be asked:

How will the agricultural land and topsoil be protected during construction?

How will the site be maintained after construction? Who takes care of maintenance needs and landscaping?

Does BayWa have experience with decommissioning?

Do the project components get recycled when the project is decommissioned? Where will recycling and waste disposal be done?

What is the process for returning the land to agricultural use?

Is there a bond for road repairs that may be needed due to heavy construction traffic?

How does this project benefit the county and county residents?

Looking into our crystal ball, we predict that at each district meeting, the developer will offer a visually pleasing presentation (sheep grazing, wildflowers, and panels under a blue sky), and may appear to know what they are talking about. But if you ask substantive questions and expect detailed answers, they will struggle to provide clear answers and likely will pass you along to another BayWa representative. This happened repeatedly at BayWa’s first open meeting for Orange County residents.

If you’re on the fence about utility scale solar in Orange County, please consider the following:

1)      A project must be in substantial accord with the county's Comprehensive Plan. A reading of the Comp Plan identifies areas in which this project is not in substantial accord. For starters, the plan's vision is “Sustain the rural character of Orange County while enhancing and improving the quality of life for all its citizens.” A power plant with switchyard and substation does not sustain the rural character along True Blue Road. As for "quality of life for all its citizens," no one will benefit from this project except the two landowners who have chosen to lease their land to the developer.

2)      Could YOU tolerate a 12-18 month construction period that would significantly elevate traffic, dust and noise in your neighborhood for an estimated 10 hours a day? How about pile driving of 38,000+ steel posts? Could YOU live with a 100 foot buffer between your property and hundreds of acres of solar panels? Could YOU accept a decrease in your property’s value due to the proximity of a solar power plant surrounded by barbed wire topped chain link fencing?

If you reach the same conclusion that we’ve reached – that this project is a bad deal for Orange County – please let your district representatives know. Emails & phone numbers for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors

The project will have one or two more reviews by the commissioners before proceeding to the Board of Supervisors. Please speak out against Sunfish Solar.

Thank you for visiting Protect Orange VA.