Project Design

How does a solar farm work?

To capture the sun’s energy, the project will use polysilicon modules and a single-axis tracker system. With a single-axis tracker, the rows are arranged north-south, and the modules track (i.e., turn) east to west throughout the day, keeping the solar panels facing the sun. The modules produce direct current (DC) power and this flows to a central inverter, about the size of a 20-foot shipping container. There, the power is inverted to alternating current (AC) and passes through a transformer before being delivered to the electrical grid via overhead electrical lines.

How tall will the panels be?

The panels will be placed approximately 10 feet above ground, staying below Grundy County’s maximum allowable height of 20 feet when the tracker is in full tilt for early morning and late evening.

How will the project interconnect to the electrical grid?

The electricity will be collected at a project substation, then transferred to a utility switchyard, which will be built adjacent to an existing transmission line in the project area. That is where the power will be injected onto the grid.

What kind of fence will be place around the perimeter of the project?

The solar farm will be fenced and only accessible to qualified personnel. All the solar equipment will be surrounded by a chain link fence.  The fence will be a maximum of 8 feet in height. The fence will include appropriate warning signage.

Will there be landscaping?

During the design process, Blue Sky has engaged an ecological restoration firm that specializes in designing and maintaining native, pollinator friendly vegetation for solar farms. The project area will be revegetated with a mix of native grasses underneath the solar panels and wildflowers (pollinator plants) around the perimeter.

Will drain tile be affected?

There is extensive existing underground drainage infrastructure onsite. Huddleston McBride Drainage Co. has been retained to locate, evaluate, modify, and maintain existing agricultural surface and subsurface drainage conditions, including upland landowners’ rights to drain.