Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
Will the solar farm be highly visible?
Unlike a wind farm development, a Solar farm is very low profile, following the natural contours and topography of the land. When possible, a perimeter of existing trees and vegetation on the solar farm site is maintained to create a natural visual screen. This border width is typically increased when adjacent to other buildings, homes, or structures to further reduce visual impact as much as possible.
Will there be noise coming from the solar farm?
During operation, a solar farm does not generate significant noise. Inverters (electrical equipment used in solar farms that convert the panel electricity from DC to AC) may produce an electrical hum during daytime operation, similar to what you might hear occasionally from a substation or a power line on a damp foggy day, but you would have to be in very close proximity to the equipment for this to be audible. During construction of the solar farms, Municipal Noise Bylaws are to be respected.
How will these solar farms benefit our communities?
In terms of real direct benefit to the community, we will be working with our construction partners to fill skilled trades and labour positions as locally possible. This is job creation in rural communities. Additionally, the renewable energy industry is set to take off in Nova Scotia through its energy policies and targets for 2030 and beyond. We are working with Nova Scotia partners in education and industry in order to build a capacity directly in the workforce to be able to participate in the NS renewable energy economy for years to come, as the Project Development Team continues to develop NS Solar Projects for the future.
Is there a significant impact to wildlife in building these solar farms?
As part of the Environmental Due Diligence in developing these projects, the Project Development Team is in communication with the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Department, including the Inspection Compliance & Enforcement, and Protected Areas Divisions. Additionally GIS mapping information through the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and Nova Scotia Lands and Forestry shows there are no protected areas, wildlife buffer zones, special management zones, or similar associated with the sites. The Project Development Team continues to work with these departments to complete all environmental considerations appropriate for the solar developments. The sites are located on 100% privately owned land.
Will there be a lot of traffic in the area as a result of these projects?
During construction, there will be increased traffic to the sites during normal commuting times, as workers, transport vehicles, construction equipment, etc. mobilize. However, the active construction zones will be designed with laydown & loading areas, and parking areas, to minimize congestion on public roadways. Construction activities are expected to range 6 to 8 months for the larger size projects (100 MW). Once the solar farms enter into normal operation, the only traffic directly associated with the sites will be light in nature from Operation and Maintenance employees, Agricultural research personnel working on agrivoltaic pilot projects, and other collaborative research partners that are given access to the site to promote research in Solar Renewable Energy.
Will I be bothered by bright reflections from the Solar Farm during the day?
The surface of a solar panel is designed in a way that minimizes the amount of light lost due to reflection, because reflected light is light that is not converted into energy. The US Department of Energy has conducted much research in this matter, and the key takeaways are as follows:
“The results show that the potential for hazardous glare from flat-plate PV systems is similar to that of smooth water and not expected to be a hazard to air navigation”
“Modern PV panels reflect as little as two percent of incoming sunlight, about the same as water and less than soil or even wood shingles. Much of the misperception surround solar and glare is likely due to confusion between solar PV and concentrated solar power (CSP), which use a system of large mirrors to direct sunlight.”
“The reflection off a solar PV panel from most near normal angles is less than 3% and represents no risk to air traffic”
“Most solar panels are designed with anti-reflective glass front surfaces and only reflect about 2 percent of incoming light. United Kingdom and U.S. aircraft databases contain no cases of accidents in which glare caused by a solar energy facility was cited as a factor.”
