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Home My WebLink About20252933.tiffINVENTORY OF ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Applicant Patricia Buxman c/o Pivot Energy Development LLC Case Number USR25-0016 Submitted or Prepared Prior to Hearing At Hearing 1 Applicant Presentation X I hereby certify that the one item(s) identified herein was submitted to the Department of Planning Services at or prior to the scheduled Planning Commissioners' hearing. Matthew VanEyll, Planner II VAISI ; Pivot •� Energy USR25-001 6 PIVOT SOLAR 66 LLC, PIVOT SOLAR 67 LLC, & PIVOT SOLAR 68 LLC WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 2025 Powering Progress. INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Pivot Energy: Who We Are Pivot Office Project Under Development or Completed le ORIGHTFUTURES • Colorado -based national leader in small-scale solar projects • Over 4.1 GW built, awarded, or in development • Long-term Owner Operator • 1000+ projects built or in development • Dedicated community partner - our community investment program has donated and pledged about $650,000 to community -based organizations in Weld County • This project will commit further local investment in the Weld community Aims Community College — 4H — Bright Futures Weld Trust/Legacy Foundation • Internship Program with Bright Futures ifl Pivot Energy INTRODUCTION AND LAND USE Pivot has an extensive history in Weld County, and understand its values Want to recognize Weld County as a leader in dual -use practices and energy agnosticism Pivot's use cases for maximizing benefit to the County: 1. Unirrigated Non -Prime Farmland ■ Soil and Land Restoration (Stability/Pollinators/Grazing) 2. Implement Industry Leading Dual -Use Practices ■ Harmonize with Past Uses (Irrigation/Crops/Grazing) ri %folk Pivot Energy WHY HERE? Originally - located just to the east in Greeley, with constraints ■ Underground infrastructure ■ Prior development plans Now - consolidated and pushed back from residences and County Roads Historically irrigated by tenant farmer for corn This site will continue to be irrigated, as commercially viable, for grazing or farming ■ Irrigation also allows for flexibility in crop management tr, Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS ■ ■ Land lease with Patricia Buxman for 36 acres "Three" arrays up to 9.0 MW AC Each project is 3 MW AC Executed Interconnection Agreement with Xcel Operational 20 — 40 years 5,200% increase in property tax revenue over 40 years U nmanned operation outside agricultural activities no traffic, no noise, no lighting Lower to the ground than a single -story residence N o topsoil removed from site, no added soil imperviousness Maintains agricultural character of the land and soil health TIA44 Pivot Energy 5 PROJECT DETAILS Majority of construction concentrated over 4-6 months Once operational, 4-8 maintenance visits per year Remotely monitored and controlled Contracted for 20 years with Xcel, options to extend beyond Project will be decommissioned, and land restored to its original condition after its lifespan No additional County utilities or resources necessary LAND STEWARDSHIP AND AGRICULTURAL INTEGRITY • • Pivot has committed to developing and operating a 100% Dual -Use portfolio Continued agricultural operations on this site with continued irrigation ■ Approach 1: • Irrigated low -height crop production ■ Approach 2: • Landowner or local shepherd irrigated feed crops for grazing ■ Irrigation will provide flexibility in agricultural land use Pivot Energy COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Pivot is committed to engaging stakeholders early and thoroughly Participation in and sponsor community events Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: 1. Letters and postcards with project information, creating open communication to address any questions or concerns 2. Open Community Meeting, polling neighbors and soliciting input 3. Follow up with neighbors providing input after; contract local SME's to incorporate feedback whenever possible Held LEGAC Foundation ,01 i ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM GREELEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE �`` Pivot Energy 8 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Steps Taken 1. USPS Priority mail flats sent to all original abutters 2/10/24 - project/personal introduction, invitation to community meeting 2. Postcards sent to neighbors within 0.5 -mile with contact information and an invitation to the community meeting 3. A community meeting was held at Roma Pizza in Greeley on 2/26/24 4. USPS Priority mail flats sent to all neighbors within 500 ft of the new site on 5/17/25 — offered another community meeting, if there was interest Outcome The community meeting had no attendees No interest expressed in a second community meeting Had one conversation with the southeast neighbors Buffer report, neighbor outreach (0.5 miles) ��,� Pivot Energy 9 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Pivot has heard from one neighbor to the southeast with questions regarding screening Patricia has had her neighbors' viewshed in mind from the start, and robust screening is required and codified per our lease Currently, Pivot has vegetative screening and opaque fencing planned on the southern and southeast sides. • Closest non -southern residence is over 1,200 ft away Patricia Buxman owns the properties and residences directly south of the project area riti0914k Pivot Energy 10 LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: PATRICIA BUXMAN • Brief parcel history • Why we chose solar • Working with Pivot CONCLUSION ■ Consolidated and "tucked back" project Continued irrigated agricultural use Substantial screening, with potential for complete screening Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system ■ 5,400% ($1 .2M) increase over 20 years ■ 5,200% ($2.5M) increase over 40 years Over $650,000 pledged and donated to Bright Futures and other organizations Maximizing utility and return from the land, with both energy and agricultural production A e Y X r X I spa -.- T) LC 2 g wb In tea 5: !IN me r I , r IF _...:,c:lir: 1 P, ▪ w— 3. n I tv Is 0 .4 i i-1,VI WI gill Iv„ xt iiit,..,;‘,1- ''I /, ic; jJtit �_ - - r .arg r- .� c qu;, ag --y- tt -r 33x. ., pi 5?‹7 (_„ W.1S4 •� �y ._. rag 1/4 t. Ele r — \ it -1\ a �- te g_ �r i U L I '0 he '15! la • i FrP Soil Pivot Energy 12 FlAA. "=-44 HANK YOU CiatA Kyle Hockstad khockstadpivotenerqv. net 970-344-8350 x737 111 pivotenergy.net HL ill' iL018Ver . 5DibEt I • t; k Fr' K1 ,77T:IPf• : j. i rJ i F4AINI All CL co ,pbe MI -AVM Zsal I 1 traftil II el d� A. ,r I a+i I W` `I� a 'C i 1wpa•r• piMIN 41109k, N 'RJ 6 o NIA ME •.Ia '•p I i ! a• -2 i!-'t 1 •s- ! S s 1J6 1. i k !=a `t i k i s 4 PCLK �� WM 1 � ! ^� �1,�7 !PSI : M- OM 166362X0' Out dal As LICE O �% Menai Orli _ Den 41 -4 -PM ass _ S1' lID; INA Ewen! 1'�T 11 ie Wile psi a "+4 I -*IPA PDPINTICS FWa:L. M ED I X0231 LOT C.1 3 Derlai a'�a,�� - !3" a - P.1 —J r::.- .° aaa I F PI,^E I, .11 M o Loit'IT F �istl� a 4145 KIES 3i Kr Hu ;14 I w7 u p 111. issty I • DOME is 001.13110 I i F L 1 MC% Oa Ft1:, Me ♦1•IPall I• DIP I CIPI i W. 4-• }i'7 -4 .e4:rrr !1. E inem Tra- cq*W W tk i . KIX KRUM tri y.•9 1 LOC 025.71%. CCM POI& b w I 69 1 &K7! 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Ma 1 l II v T y.• 4, to as, • • • Maintenance ■ Facility production abnormalities and panel health — production loss and a strong incentive to replace quickly (hail, etc.) ■ Solar panels are made of 99%+ inert materials (glass, aluminum, copper) Temperatures ■ Minimal impact within the margin of error on a hyperlocal level. Return to ambient within 100'. EMFs: ■ Generated by inverters, which are centrally located. Multiple studies have shown EMFs dissipate to ambient levels around 150' from the inverters. ■ The nearest non -landowner -owned residence is over 500' away Noise: ■ The inverter decibel rating is similar to a residential air conditioning unit, and generally returns to ambient conditions at 150' ■ Nearest residence is over 500' away Decommissioning ■ Pivot will post a decommissioning bond with Weld County. jr;� Pivot Energy wii 16 • • • Solar panels are made of 99%+ inert materials (glass, aluminum, copper) No hazardous materials are used Pivot closely monitors and will replace damaged equipment to ensure projects operate at peak efficiency Once the project is decommissioned, panels will either be donated or recycled Image: solarbuildermag.com ifl Pivot Energy 3 • • • • • ForgeSolar is an industry -leading tool to evaluate glare impacts to the adjacent roads, homes, businesses The project will not generate any hazardous glare for those who can see or pass the array Glare from solar panels will be comparable or less to that of snow, water, or steel All panels are coated in an anti - reflective coating to decrease glare FAA Glare Analysis also concluded this project does not exceed notice criteria. \�••• P ForgeSolar anning glare analysis Site Configuration I Components & Results Buxman Project, Weld County PS66-68 Created N1ar 31, 2025 Updated Sep 30, 2025 Time -step 1 minute Timezone offset UTC-7 Minimum sun altitude 0.0 deg Site ID 145571.24575 Project type Project status: active O Category 5 MW to 10 MW CONTACT ACCOUNT LOG CUT PRICING TOOLS & SERVICES - PROJECTS HELP - Home Projects Buxman Project, Weld... Site configurations P 66 8 111 Open in editor More = 4 Imagery ®2025 Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Maier Technologies Glare Analysis Summary PV Array Results Summary of Results No glare predicted! ifl Pivot Energy 18 Equipment that makes noise (inverters) are located hundreds of feet from the nearest non -landowner -owned residence, placed in the center of the array The decibel rating is similar to a residential air conditioning unit, and generally returns to ambient conditions at 150' Nearest non -landowner -owned residence is > 500' away None of the equipment operates early in the morning or late at night The equipment is "off' when the sun is not out a Ep ere e Y fi e S -- - X X ` =,_ — Y ri gr g qrt r ip I f r. r. !In St • F • • FtP r PA • C Pivot Energy • The Cohn-Reznick property value study shows no impacts to property values adjacent to solar facilities in the Midwest or Colorado. Sites are similar to this one in New Mexico. While no two sites are identical, the similarities far outweigh the differences in this case. We have also reviewed published methodology for measuring impact on property values as well as published studies that specifically analyzed the impact of solar farms on nearby property values. We have also interviewed market participants, including County and Township Assessors, to give us additional insight as to how the market evaluates farm land and single family homes with views of the solar farm. These studies found little to no measurable and consistent difference in value between the Test Area Sales and the Control Area Sales attributed to the proximity to solar farms and are generally considered a compatible use. Considering all of this information, we can conclude that since the Adjoining Property Sales (Test Area Sales) for the existing solar farms analyzed were not adversely affected by their proximity to solar farms, that properties surrounding other solar farms c�tinq in compliance with all regulatory standards will similarly not be adversely _ affected, _ in either the short or long term periods. ifl Pivot Energy 20 6 PS66,67,68 2 Kim loam, to 3 percent slopes Map Unit Setti n g National map unit symbol: 362b Elevation: 4,900 to 5,250 feet Mean annual pr ecip to tion : 13 to 17 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 52 degrees F Frost -free period: 125 to 150 days Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated 33 —Kim loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 362c Elevation: 4,900 to 5,250 feet Mean annual precipitation: 13 to 17 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 52 degrees Frost -free period: 125 to 150 days Farmland classification: Farmland of statewide importance 47 Olney fine sandy loam, to 3 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbot 362v Elevation: 4,600 to 5,200 feet Mean annual precipitation: 11 to 15 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 54 degrees F Frost -free period: 125 to 175 days Farmland ossification: Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil erodibilit) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60 Soil Pivot Energy 21 7 Millions of people live near solar arrays or have solar panels on their rooftops. There is no credible evidence that solar equipment has negative impacts on human health isNCCLEAN ENERGY Gp�?• TECHNOLOGY CENTER NC STATE UNIVERSITY Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics The increasing presence of utility -scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (sometimes referred to as solar farms) is a rather new development in North Caroline's landscape. Due to the new and unknown nature of this technology, it is natural for communities near such developments to be concerned about health and safety impacts. Unfortunately, the quick emergence of utility -scale solar has cultivated fertile grounds for myths and half-truths about the health impacts of this technology, which can lead to unnecessary fear and conflict. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies and solar inverters are not known to pose any significant health dangers to their neighbors. The most important dangers posed are increased highway traffic during the relative short construction period and dangers posed to trespassers of contact with high voltage equipment. This latter risk is mitigated by signage and the security measures that industry uses to deter trespassing. Soil Pivot Energy 22 8 Grain of truth • Solar panels contain heavy metals, just like all electronics. • Some technologies (not all) contain cadmium, a metal that can be hazardous in large quantities if not disposed of properly. The real story There is no liquid inside a solar panel. • Solar panels are designed to be outside in the elements. • Even if the tempered glass is broken, another layer protects the cells. • Asset owners are incentivized to clean up damaged equipment. • Owners are also required to perform preventative maintenance. • Studies show no evidence solar causes cancer or other diseases. (htt ://www. cancer. net/blo�/2022-O 1/ca n-havin -solar- living-near-solar-farm-increase-your-cancer-risk) panels-or- �,�;;,� Pivot Energy 23 9 ■ What, if any, health risks do the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) from solar panels and other components of solar PV arrays pose? Like all common electronics - from the wiring in a typical home to a vacuum cleaner - solar PV generates EMF Average exposure to EMF is typically ~1 mG. The lowest amount to have had any (controversial) association with health issues is ~3 mG over a long term Study of 3 commercial solar facilities in MA concluded low EMF strength at the fence line of <0.5 mG EMF strength of inverters at 150 ft is <0.5 mG. • Closest inverter to non -landowner -owned residence: > 500 ft [i QlYtlta ffirintwil .WP 0 ! OP. 11,1 d �C = baneeta - firI MAC V a T I I • KJ 17 bet -D �`` Pivot Energy 24 Most components of a solar module can recycled, including: • Aluminum Frames • Copper Wires • Junction Box, Containing Metals oe The remaining materials are called the "laminate" and they contain: • Tempered Glass • Sillicon Cells Connected with Precious Metals • Encapsulant • Backsheet Image Credit: Clean Energy Reviews AL Frame Tempered Glass Encapsulant-EVA Solar Ce Enca S asulant-EVA Backsheet Junction Box ifl Pivot Energy 25 • • • • Solar facilities do not contain significant flammable materials, unlike oil & gas infrastructure Flammable materials in solar panels are limited and cannot self -sustain a fire Pivot monitors solar facilities and would be alerted of any abnormality Shall meet and adhere to fire code requirements ifl Pivot Energy 26 12 Depending on the condition of the solar panels, Pivot Energy follows this decision tree to determine the best path after removal from site: 1. If no broken glass and panels pass field testing: Donation to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Equitable Solar Solutions, etc. 2. If no broken glass but panels fail field testing: Refurbishment and re -sale on the secondary solar market via Ontility or EnergyBin 3. If broken glass: Recycling of the panels is coordinated by Pivot's O&M team using SolarRecycle.org to determine the nearest recycling facility ifl Pivot Energy Homeowner Rosalba Medina stands in front of her soon -to -be finished Habitat for Humanity home in September 2022. The home has a 5.8 -kilowatt solar array that was donated by Pivot Energy and installed by Equitable Solar Solutions and Nunatak Alternative Energy. 13 The project isn't large enough to alter wildlife migration patterns. There are ample routes for animals to move around and through the site as needed We use a game fence when allowed to maximize our ability to keep larger animals out and allow smaller animals to come and go ifl Pivot Energy 28 14 • • • Panels are textured and coated in anti -reflective film P hotovoltaic systems are different than solar concentrators P roject is not Utility Scale Studies show no evidence or correlation that solar creates a "lake effect" that harms birds • ■ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371 /journal.pone.0232034#p one -0232034-t001 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960148118310565 �,�;;,� Pivot Energy 29 Hello