Question 1

How long do solar projects generate energy for?

Accepted Answer

Modern solar energy projects are designed to produce energy for 35+ years.

Question 2

What happens to solar energy during a cold or cloudy day?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels generate energy even in cold or cloudy conditions. Although cloudy weather may reduce power generation, substantial energy can still be generated during those conditions. Cold temperatures, however, do not reduce output at all and can actually increase solar panel efficiency by increasing voltage.

Question 3

What is Scout Clean Energy's experience in the region?

Accepted Answer

Scout Clean Energy is building energy projects all across the state of Illinois, totalling nearly 4 GW. Scout recently finished the 180 MW Bitter Ridge Wind Farm in Jay County, Indiana. Jay County will also house Scout's 100 MW Sun Chief Solar Farm, which will begin construction in 2026.

Question 4

How does solar energy benefit the community?

Accepted Answer

In addition to providing energy to the local power grid, solar energy sites contribute millions of dollars in property taxes throughout their lifetime, create permanent maintenance jobs, and provide lease payments to local landowners, among other benefits. See the community benefits section of the site for specific numbers related to Woodberry.

Question 5

Is the power from this project going to the local community?

Accepted Answer

Electricity generated by the project flows to the nearest place that can use it, so if the sun is shining or the wind is blowing and you turn on your lights or TV, those electrons could be very well be flowing into your house from the nearby project.

Question 6

What happens to the project if there is extreme weather or hail?

Accepted Answer

Panels are rated for both heavy winds and substantial hail, and are often among the energy sources still able to produce during natural weather disasters like hurricanes. Because modern solar energy projects use tracking technology to allow the panels to follow the sun, this also allows us to use stowing strategies to minimize impacts from both wind and hail.

Question 7

What happens to the project when it reaches the end of its life?

Accepted Answer

At the end of a solar project's life, generally 30-40 years, the project will be decommissioned. The decommissioning process involves the responsible handling and removal of the panels, racking, and other project components. Wherever possible, Scout is committed to recylcing decommissioned components, something we achieved in our lone decommissioning to date.

After decommissioning, Scout honors its commitment to returning the land to its original condition, and landowners can either return to using the land for its previous purpose or explore new ventures.

Question 8

Do solar panels post a threat to the environment?

Accepted Answer

No. Modern commercial solar panels do not contain sufficient hazardous materials to pose a danger to the environment and human health. Furthermore, materials are securely enclosed within the panels, which are manufactured to withstand environmental conditions and extreme weather events.

What is Woodberry Solar Farm?

$328 Million

$20 Million

$32 Million

Woodberry Solar's