Benefits | Sunbeam Renewable Energy

AMERICAN-MADE ENERGY

Energy created from the Sunbeam Renewable Energy project will go directly onto the local electrical grid, providing the surrounding area and the state of Kentucky with homegrown energy. This project increases American energy independence, boosts the local economy, and creates jobs.

SUPPORTING THE ECOMONY

Along with creating a more secure and reliable energy grid that supports the local economy, Sunbeam Renewable Energy will generate tax revenue to support the community, improve the existing infrastructure by paving roads, create more jobs, and add new long-term revenue streams for local landowners. This project will create approximately 200 new jobs during construction as well as additional long-term opportunities once operational. Local vendors and businesses will be utilized when possible to bring even more money directly into the local economy. The construction period also brings an increase in local spending including hotels, grocery storages, restaurants, gas stations, and other vendors.

LAND USE BENEFITS

Solar projects preserve the agricultural character of the community. Solar energy projects also allow landowners to preserve their family land for future generations who may choose to return the land to ranching or to harvest the sun once the project comes to the end of its useful life.

FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS

It is expected that local school districts will be one of the direct beneficiaries of funding from Sunbeam Renewable Energy’s tax revenue - which will result in millions of new dollars over the life of the project.

LOW IMPACT

Utility-scale solar has little to no impact on the underlying land. Drainage is maintained or redesigned to allow for proper water control. Grading and compaction are minimal, and the topsoil is preserved. In addition, solar energy facilities are a great neighbor. They don’t create air pollution, odors, contaminated water, or nuisance sounds.

NATURAL SCREENING

Sunbeam Renewable Energy is committed to developing a vegetation management plan which adheres to state and local rules. Development of these plans would include consideration of the most appropriate plants for the area.

Pollinators

Sunbeam Renewable Energy is exploring the use of revegetating areas disturbed during construction with pollinator-friendly plants that can have a positive impact on neighboring harvest yields and overall ecosystem health.

DECOMMISSIONING

Sunbeam Renewable Energy leases include decommissioning requirements on leased land. Additionally, Sunbeam will create an overall decommissioning plan to ensure the removal of all equipment at the end of the project’s life. Once the equipment is removed, the land can be returned to its original condition.

SAFEGUARDING WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY

Wildlife protection and biodiversity are a priority in Vesper’s solar project siting process. After a suitable location is found with existing, suitable land use and transmission access, environmental assessments are conducted to identify any sensitive regions, which further guides the design of the proposed project. Solar facilities are designed to be low-impact and they maintain vegetative cover between panels, ensuring healthy soil, optimal water retention, and minimized erosion. Moreover, solar projects often incorporate pollinator-friendly plants in areas where this can have a positive impact on neighboring harvest yields and overall ecosystem health. We are committed to using native plants, pollinators and are open to other agrivoltaic methods to ensure this project fits in well with the surrounding area and upholds the county's vision.

DECOMMISSIONING

Prior to construction, Vesper Energy works with participating landowners and relevant authorities to plan for the proper removal of equipment at the end of the project’s life. Decommissioning plans will be established to safeguard taxpayers from any monetary obligation for decommissioning. Once the equipment is removed, the land can be returned to agricultural use.