HAWKEYE SOLAR

The Hawkeye Solar Project is expected to contribute over $18 million in new taxes to Clinton County over the life of the project. This revenue will help fund local schools, public safety, other infrastructure and services. The project is a private investment and comes at no cost to Clinton County.

The Hawkeye Solar Project is expected to create hundreds of local jobs and millions of dollars in construction-related spending.

The Hawkeye Solar Project as a whole will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by hundreds of thousands of metric tons annually, which is equivalent to taking over 100,000 cars off of the road.

In total, the project will produce enough clean, renewable energy to power nearly 75,000 Iowa homes. The project also includes a battery energy storage system capable of discharging 75MW of electricity for up to four hours.

The Hawkeye Solar Project is expected to be sited within ~2,250 acres of privately owned land. Solar projects are modular by design, which allows the layout to avoid impacts to sensitive resource areas. There is also wide spacing between arrays, approximately 12-20 feet, to allow areas for native grass species and pollinators to grow.

Participation is entirely voluntary and does not have the ability to use eminent domain. Although allowing farmland to lie fallow beneath a solar project is also a good way to preserve farmland for future generations, we respect the fact that some landowners may choose not to participate. We are committed to working constructively and transparently to negotiate voluntary partnerships with landowners that provide value to residents and allow our project to move forward.

Yes. As a clean, renewable energy source, solar energy is not only good for the environment, but also safe for landowners and the communities where they live, work, and raise their families. Solar energy is one of the lowest-impact forms of energy production because they are low to the ground, noiseless, do not produce greenhouse gas emissions, do not create odors or harmful byproducts, and can withstand catastrophic weather events. 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 essential activities.

Battery energy storage systems provide additional reliability to the grid. They can store renewable energy like solar during the day, and then release it when Iowans need it most. Ranger Power’s first priority is safety. Each battery container will be constructed of non-combustible material, and battery storage modules will be comprised of proven lithium iron phosphate storage technology. Units will be low voltage, encased in a steel enclosure, and set apart from combustible materials. The battery will also have fire rating in conformance with applicable standards and specialized fire suppression systems installed, as well as cooling systems within each unit.

Through remote monitoring, project staff will certify the battery stays within optimal operating bands to ensure both safety and long-term performance. Information such as temperature, battery state of charge, and system warnings will be monitored 24/7. Local technicians will be on standby should any maintenance be required

Ranger Power will coordinate with emergency services staff to provide materials, education, and/or training to departments serving the property with emergency services. Specifically, this will include the Grand Mound Volunteer Fire Department, Calamus Volunteer Fire Department, and mutual aid partner fire departments. Each will receive all pertinent information in case of a fire or emergency on site to ensure safe operation and adequate emergency response. This will include, but is not limited to, specific training, 24-hour contact information, access to lock boxes, access point locations, the locations of shut-offs, and circulation patterns. All fire departments will be updated regarding changes to the above information and any new fire department staff will be given an annual tour.

Solar panels have no moving parts and do not create sound. Inverters make a slight hum but will be placed inside the project area, far from the border, and so would be inaudible to anyone outside the project boundary.

Solar panels do not produce a great deal of heat, but like any surface, could be warm to the touch on a hot sunny day. The panels return to ambient temperature at night.

Solar panel technology is designed to absorb the sun’s rays rather than reflect them, which means that PV solar panels are less reflective than water or window glass. Solar panel glare has primarily been a concern only for the aviation industry. The Ranger team has successfully sited these projects on or near airports within FAA regulations.

Solar projects are a temporary use of the land. As per our lease agreements and county requirements, we are required to restore the land to its pre-existing condition. There will be a decommissioning bond, or money set aside, to ensure that funds are available to take care of restoration obligations.

Ranger Power is a solar development company focused on projects across the Midwest. We are currently developing the Hawkeye Solar Project and pride ourselves on working closely with neighbors and other stakeholders to develop projects the local community can be proud of for years to come.