Support
Otter Creek Solar
The Otter Creek Solar project is a proposed 1GW solar energy system located four miles west of Burlington.
Over the 30-year life of the project, Otter Creek Solar would generate almost $177Min revenue for the region!
Tell Your Commissioners Why You Support Otter Creek Solar!
FAQ
Q: I’ve heard that solar in Coffey County will take farmland out of production. Is this true?
A: Both during and after the operational lifespan of Otter Creek Solar, native wildflowers, prairie grasses, and arbors will be sustained on the site by our dedicated personnel. Solar energy has the benefit of allowing the soil on which it stands to be naturally regenerated and reinvigorated over time, to the benefit of future agricultural operations. Otter Creek Solar is intended for a service duration of approximately thirty years, after which the site will be decommissioned and land prepared to return to agricultural use by the property owners. This will be a significant benefit to our next generation of farmers sowing the land.
Q: Can solar panels leach chemicals or metals into our environment?
A: Solar panels are designed and manufactured to withstand harsh environmental conditions and extreme weather events. These hardened structures protect the solar cells from the elements and support plans to keep the facilities operating for up to 40 years.The Environmental Protection Agency requires that solar panel modules pass toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) testing before being disposed of in a landfill. TCLP testing assesses impacts of landfill conditions on solar panels, including leaching potential. This test is typically conducted during manufacturing to ensure the solar panels will meet the requirements of
disposal at end-of-life.
Q: Does solar compete with nuclear power plants?
A: Otter Creek Solar was described as necessary by officials from Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant, who reported to the Coffey County Commission that it would be difficult if renewable energy sources were not available to help meet power demands for the region. While nuclear power provides a deep baseload of power throughout the day, solar energy would be a great credit in diversifying power sources on the grid. This can create a more stable and adaptable flow of power to the growing communities in and around Coffey County.
Q: Will Otter Creek Solar harm our local wildlife?
A: Solar is known to be one of the most intrinsically, environmentally friendly renewable energy sources being developed. Due to the non-toxic and corrosion-resistant materials used in production, solar leaks no chemicals or toxins into the ground. Otter Creek Solar also intends to sow the ground in and around the installation with native Kansas plant life, providing a sustainable food source for wildlife and nourishing the soil for future generations. Once the life of the project is lapsed, the land will be rehabilitated for uses ranging from crop cultivation or for other purposes that landowners see fit.
Q: I’ve heard some talk that foreign companies are buying up American land. Is Otter Creek Solar one of these?
A: Otter Creek Solar and its parent company Hecate Energy is a U.S. owned and operated firm with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Hecate Energy was founded in 2012 by a group of experienced energy industry professionals. Hecate currently develops and manages highly successful operations across America, and it hopes to have the opportunity to develop a similarly successful project with Otter Creek Solar to benefit Coffey County residents.