Dutchman Renewable Power Project

Solar panels are placed on racks which are supported by posts driven into the ground. Posts are placed without the use of concrete and can easily be removed at the end of a project’s life. Once a project is decommissioned, the project is removed, we recycle the majority of the project’s components, and the site is returned to its original condition.

Phase 1 of the Dutchman Solar Project will produce 300-megawatts of clean renewable power each year, which equates to approximately 745,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. That’s enough to power 69,530 homes annually and is the equivalent of removing 527,977 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

Land-leases for solar projects offer income consistency and assurances that are not often available to landowners. The lease provides long-term, dependable income and allows the landowner to retain ownership of their land for future generations. The stability of the lease payments guards against the volatility of the agricultural market, which they may be subject to on other parcels they farm, and the lease remains competitive over time with a built-in escalator for the life of the project.

Renewable power projects produce clean power for people, businesses, and utilities across the United States. These projects also provide land lease revenue to site owners, local tax revenues for the communities they call home, and create valuable jobs in a high-demand industry. In some cases, projects can utilize otherwise undevelopable land, such as capped landfills or former mines.

Additionally, renewable power projects attract big job creators who need to site their offices or facilities in areas with available renewable power or areas that support this kind of infrastructure investment. Renewable power projects aren’t just good for the environment, they support the long-term economic strength of the communities they call home.

Renewable power projects provide numerous financial benefits to a community. These include:

• Long-term tax revenue to the local county, which positively impacts local school systems and other community needs while requiring little to no county services in return.
• Creation of numerous jobs during construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs.
• Production of low-cost clean power, which is in high demand by utilities and corporations and attracts economic development to the areas where it is available.
• Delivery of clean renewable power to the utility grid to help meet the region’s energy needs.
• Attracts big corporate and C&I job creators prioritizing locations with renewable power availability.

As solar projects have been constructed across the county in both rural and more densely populated areas, an increasingly large body of evidence demonstrates that these projects do not impact property value. Nevertheless, BrightNight has commissioned an external independent study to evaluate the project area.

Solar projects are a low-impact land use that can safely operate next to neighboring agricultural operations. In fact, the natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients, just as agricultural conservation programs recommend, making the land more profitable upon return to agricultural use. Sheep grazing can be used for grounds maintenance on the site and plants that attract pollinators (ex. bees) can be added to benefit neighboring farms. In some cases, solar projects can co-exist with certain crops. The space between rows can accommodate crops and even some shade-loving plants can utilize the space below panels. This process is referred to as “agrivoltaics” and it’s a new way BrightNight is working with farmers across the United States to maximize the value of their land.

To ensure we had an exhaustive and precise analysis, we adhered to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Interim Policy’s guidance, employing the Sandia Laboratories Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT), a state-of-the-art modeling/compliance analysis tool now accessible through the ForgeSolar GlareGauge cloud software application.

This detailed analysis included modeling potential glare for various scenarios, including:

• Points of view from both first and second-floor residential/commercial structures.
• Perspectives from vehicles, including standard commuter cars and semi-tractor-trailer trucks.

The results of the SGHAT GlareGauge analysis were clear: no glare was predicted for any of the observation points or vehicle routes based on our project specifications. This assures that homes, roads, and any other points within the vicinity of the project will not experience any glare from the panels.

Solar photovoltaic technology has safely operated for more than 50 years. There are no emissions or contamination from solar facilities to the air, water, or soil. Multiple independent studies by industry and leading engineering universities affirm that solar technology and solar energy production are safe for the landowner, the surrounding community, and the environment. For additional information on this topic, please see a study completed by N.C. State University on the “Health & Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics.”

Additionally, solar projects do not emit any gasses nor release anything into the environment. Only a few components of solar panels contain toxic materials, but these exist in small quantities and are safely encapsulated within the panel structure, even if the panel becomes damaged. Thus, ensuring they pose no danger to human, animal, or environmental health.

Most materials in a solar project are similar to what you might find in any building construction or even in your car. Poly and mono-crystalline panels do not have any liquid inside of them. If broken, there is nothing toxic to escape. The polysilicon wafers used in these panels are very similar to the microchips and computer boards that are inside the phone in your pocket.

At the end of the system’s lifetime, BrightNight will safely remove the solar panels and recycle the majority of the project’s components.

Solar projects do not increase water runoff and, in the long-term, can actually improve soil and water quality. Over the life of the project, the native grasses and flora that are planted and maintained under and between each row of panels represent a net reduction in chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides that are often the primary sources of groundwater contamination from other land uses.

Additionally, stormwater management plans are a required part of the solar development process. These plans are prepared by professional engineers to ensure that projects do not contribute to area erosion or flooding, and are reviewed and approved as part of the permit approval process.

At the end of a project’s life, the project will be removed, and the site will be returned to its original condition. This is guaranteed through a bond BrightNight is required to place before the start of construction.

Solar energy has become very cost competitive over the last decade. The narratives of solar being expensive stem from the residential market, where solar modules and system components are bought in limited quantities. Large projects like Dutchman use economies of scale to reduce the cost of generation. Projects like Dutchman have to participate in competitive solicitations and must beat out other generation technologies, including traditional generation (such as coal, gas, and wind), to sell its power.

The Dutchman solar project is a potent catalyst for local job creation and sustainable economic growth. From the construction phase to its operational life, this solar project promises substantial benefits to the local workforce.

In the construction phase, the project is set to engage approximately 447 workers at its peak. Notably, we anticipate that about 20% of these positions will be filled by local talent. Therefore, we can look forward to approximately 89 new jobs being created in the local area, fostering economic prosperity and skill development in the community. The actual number, of course, may vary based on the local workforce’s availability and the need for specific skills and qualifications.

During the construction phase is complete, the Dutchman solar project will transition into its operations phase, necessitating a dedicated, smaller workforce for ongoing maintenance and operations. Here is where the long-term, steady employment opportunities come into play. As per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2020 data, utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) facilities typically yield about 5.3 full-time jobs per 100 MW capacity for operations and maintenance. With the Dutchman solar project’s substantial capacity of 499 MW, we can project around 26 permanent jobs in this sector, though not all of these will be direct hires of the Project which is estimated to require 2-5 full time staff. Typical positions created by Projects such as this include the following:

• Solar Farm Manager: Oversees daily operations and efficiency.
• Maintenance Technicians: Conducts regular equipment checks and repairs.
• Solar Panel Cleaners: Maintains optimal performance by ensuring clean panels.
• Electrical Engineers or Electricians: Maintains electrical infrastructure.
• System Operators: Monitors and optimizes power production.
• Safety Officer: Ensures safety compliance and practices.
• Administrative Staff: Manages records, finances, and communications.
• Environmental Specialists: Monitors environmental compliance and impacts.

This list is not exhaustive, and the precise job roles can vary based on each solar farm’s specific requirements and the local context. However, the certainty remains that these jobs significantly contribute to the local economy and offer consistent, rewarding employment opportunities in an ever-growing industry.

Beyond the direct job creation, the Dutchman solar project will also stimulate indirect job growth. Indirect jobs refer to employment opportunities created in the wider economy as a result of the project, such as roles within local businesses that may experience increased demand due to project-driven spending. While the precise number of these indirect jobs can be difficult to pinpoint, their contribution to the economic landscape should not be underestimated.

Project siting is a lengthy iterative process that works to identify locations positioned at the confluence of a variety of considerations. Though not exhaustive, the list below provides a number of the issues which are evaluated in deciding where to place a project.

• Available transmission capacity
• Impacts to the local and regional grid
• Existing large-scale industrial infrastructure nearby
• Complimentary energy production profile to regional wind
• Cultural resources and sensitivities
• Biological resources
• Socioeconomic effects
• Traffic and transportation
• Geology and soil conditions
• Water resources
• Land use restrictions
• Solar resource quality
• Weather

We genuinely recognize and value the concerns expressed by Converse County’s landowners, especially the idea that the energy from the project may not be for local consumption. We’d like to clarify this misunderstanding. The project’s location was chosen specifically to serve the existing grid system associated with the Dave Johnson Power Plant. This ties directly into regional and local energy markets, underscoring our commitment to enhancing the local energy grid. It’s a common misperception that solar energy can be effortlessly transported to distant locations. In practice, factors like transmission costs, grid compatibility, and stringent regional regulations render selling to distant locations like California financially nonviable.

While it’s true that a significant portion of solar panels have historically been manufactured in China due to its early investment in photovoltaic technology and economies of scale, the global solar landscape is rapidly evolving. We are seeing a surge in domestic manufacturing capabilities in numerous countries, including the US, fueled by domestic manufacturing incentives, advancements in technology, and a drive for energy independence. Importantly, this evolution means that reliance on any single foreign entity is decreasing. Furthermore, diversifying our supply chain is a key strategic focus, both to ensure stable delivery and to support domestic industries. As solar developers, we recognize the benefits of fostering local manufacturing, which can lead to job creation, localized innovations, and a more robust renewable energy ecosystem.

Though BrightNight has not yet made any equipment selections at this time, recent Federal legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, has incentivized the purchase of domestically manufactured solar equipment. Once BrightNight is ready to procure equipment for the Dutchman Project, we will prioritize domestic manufacturing options.

While reported percentages vary for how much of a solar facility can be recycled, with values ranging from 75% to nearly 100%, it is well established that the majority of the materials in a solar panel are recyclable or reusable. The small percentage of materials which may not currently be recycled are arranged for disposal at appropriate facilities in accordance with all applicable regulations. Nevertheless, research is ongoing to develop new methodologies to further enhance the recycling of the panels. Thus, by the end of the project’s life, estimated to be 30-40 years, we would expect new opportunities for material recycling to be available. This view is further bolstered by the current economies of scale being experienced by the panel recycling industry. Today we are seeing panels that were installed in the 1993 timeframe begin to be decommissioned. The installed capacity of solar projects at this time was approximately 0.1 GW. This is in comparison to the roughly 1600 GWs installed by 2023. Given this dramatic increase in demand, it is only reasonable to assume that we will continue to see improvements in the already high level of recyclability for the panels.

Any compound, even those found in everyday materials, can be considered toxic when concentrated beyond a certain threshold of intake. As an example, Teflon used in cooking utensils is toxic, yet its use is permitted because, unless purposely scrapped and consumed in large quantities, it does not have any serious health impacts. The same is true for compounds in a solar panel. Every panel is manufactured to be able to withstand severe weather conditions at a site. Even large hailstorms can only crack solar panels but cannot break them into thousands of smaller pieces. Even if the panels are to break away into many pieces, only certain types of solvents can dissolve the compounds into water streams. These solvents are not present naturally and even harsh operating or landfill conditions are not capable of dissolving the compounds into water.

The majority of compounds highlighted as potentially being harmful with respect to solar facilities are either related to thin film technology modules (not the technology that will be used at this project) or are actually manufacturing by-products that are generated at facilities servicing the production of the panels. Such compounds are controlled and are required to be disposed of in a safe manner by the manufacturers.

Our project will use silicon modules (non-thin film technology), which do contain small amounts of lead due to the need for soldering.  The process of soldering is very common for any electrical appliance that has a circuit board, including cellphones, cars, TVs, washing machines, and anything that has a display or buttons. The solder, which is 99% copper and <1% lead, is well contained inside the module encasing.

Coolants and lubricants are also commonly called out as potential sources of toxic compounds. Such materials at the Project are likely to be very similar to what you would find in a typical garage and support the operation and maintenance of facility vehicles and equipment. Beyond this, the project transformers will also utilize internal fluid. The industry standard is to use bio-based oil for transformers that is very close to vegetable oil. It can literally be used to make French fries. Regardless, the transformers are an integral part of the system and are well-sealed to avoid any spills.

Lastly, substances used for dust control can sometimes raise concerns. BrightNight is committed to working with WGFD and adhering to all pertinent standards. This ensures that any suppressants employed, should any beyond water be used, are suitable for the project site.

Because we will utilize vehicles and equipment which contain internal lubricants and coolants, the project will be subject to conditions under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC).  Primarily the aforementioned coolants and lubricants will be associated with vehicles used on the Project site as well as transformers, which will use bio-based oil as a coolant. This oil is very similar to vegetable oil and is sealed internally with the transformer. Nevertheless, The SPCC rule requires facilities to develop, maintain, and implement an oil spill prevention plan. The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule (issued under CWA Section 311 and published at 40 CFR part 112) includes requirements to prevent oil discharges to navigable waters.  These plans help facilities prevent oil spills, as well as control a spill should one occur.

During operations of the solar or battery storage facility, there will be no radioactive emissions or abnormal levels of EMF exposure. EMF levels associated with high-voltage equipment/infrastructure, such as the project substation and transmission line, will decay rapidly over distance. Therefore, EMF levels outside of the project substation and transmission line right-of-way (ROW) will be insignificant. Furthermore, these facilities are largely located internal to the project, far away from sensitive receptors such as residences.

BrightNight has performed wildlife surveys to characterize the project site for wildlife, plants, avian, nesting birds, and small mammal occurrence. These surveys characterize the observed and potential occurrence of wildlife and habitat types on the project site and how observed species currently use the project site. Survey reports that describe the biological aspects of the project are publicly available.  BrightNight is coordinating with WDGF to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife species. Survey results have been provided to WDGF, with additional focused surveys performed in response to comments received from the Department. Close coordination with the Department will address potential impacts on plants and wildlife.

Cultural resources are protected by the state of Wyoming and the federal government.  The project must perform archaeological surveys with the oversight of the State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with consultation by local tribes.  Licensed archaeologists perform surveys and record pre-historic and historical artifacts/sites that may be impacted by project activities.  Sites that have historical or cultural significance are protected prior to any ground disturbance associated with the project.  When necessary, protection may be in the form of avoidance, data recovery, curation, or repatriation.

The project area does not serve as a travel corridor between winter and summer game habitats and is not identified as a movement corridor for large game.  Animals in the area are considered residents. Project fencing is set back from fencing along Highway 95 to the west and the Platt River to the south.  Normal west-east movement of large game is currently bisected by Highway 95, and existing numbers of large game crossing the highway are not anticipated to change.

Both on and off-site water sources are currently being considered for the Project. Offsite water would be procured from commercial sellers authorized to provide the requisite volumes of water. Prior to the use of on-site groundwater wells, BrightNight would complete a groundwater impact study to ensure that there would not be negative impacts to the local water table.

The project will not result in a significant addition of impervious ground cover. Panels will be supported by driven piles spaced in roughly 30 ft. intervals. The project will also allow soil cover and native vegetation under the panels. Nevertheless, prior to the construction of the project, BrightNight will be required to develop a stormwater and erosion control plan demonstrating the measures that will be put in place to manage any potential erosion or alterations in stormwater flow. Both a geotechnical and hydrological study will be conducted at the site to understand soil characteristics, infiltration rates, and water runoff volumes. From such studies, suitable erosion and stormwater controls will be designed for the project.

BrightNight has and will continue to coordinate closely with local first responders to establish an Emergency Response Plan. BrightNight is also consulting with industry experts specializing in energy facility safety. Continuing regular training for first responders will be part of the project’s ongoing operations. We will hold regular onsite training sessions and provide training material and guidelines. Safety is our highest priority – our commitment to collaborate with first responders is unwavering. Additionally, BrightNight is technology agnostic. This means that we’re free to select the equipment that features the latest advances in safety technology.

The project will use solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which is a type of solar energy that converts sunlight directly into electricity. PV panels do not use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight, unlike concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, which have been known to cause local heating effects.

The project and its components & systems will be designed as per the latest NEC and NFPA codes that have been adopted by the AHJ. As such, the project does not pose a high risk of fires. The solar facility and all of its electrical components, including racking and frames of modules, are grounded and panels do not generate heat that would add to the chance of grass fires in the area. On the contrary, shading from the panels may aid in water retention by the vegetation under the panels, potentially serving to help inhibit the spread of fire.

Lithium-ion-based battery systems run a risk of fire only if operated abnormally or outside of the standard operating procedure. Moreover, each battery enclosure will be equipped with monitoring systems to detect smoke, heat, and abnormal electrical conditions before a fire event can take place. Each enclosure will also be equipped with a fire detection and suppression system. If a fire were to occur, it would be localized and limited to the battery itself or a portion of the individual battery enclosure. Spread of fire and propagation will be prevented as each battery container at the Dutchman project will be spaced apart so that even in the low likelihood event of fire at one container, the fire will not spread to the next. The area around the battery container will be gravel or roads, so there will not be direct contact with any grasses or trees.

BrightNight commissioned a traffic study to evaluate impacts associated with the construction of the project. The capacity analyses indicate ample capacity at the study area roadways and intersections to accommodate the temporary increase in traffic associated with construction of the project. Peak construction traffic is anticipated to occur for a period of approximately three months. Additionally, BrightNight will be responsible for maintaining road quality and repairing any damage caused by construction traffic.

The project will be designed with local weather extremes in mind. Further, in order to secure financing, BrightNight will need to procure insurance for the project, which will be a function of the facility’s expected performance in a variety of extreme conditions. Some of these considerations and project approaches are highlighted below.

• Snow: Snow loads on the modules will be taken into account while designing the pile foundations. Similarly, periods of reduced production due to snow cover will also be accounted for in the facility’s performance projections.
• Low Temperatures: The system and all its components will be designed to withstand the site’s extreme minimum temperatures based on ASHRAE standards. Low temps will not be a concern as the modules are rated to be frozen and thawed back.
• Hail and High Winds: The racking system has a passive wind and hail mitigation system. This allows the modules to move to the least angle of resistance during high wind conditions. Similarly, the impact from hail is reduced drastically when the modules are at the hail stow angle.