HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231302.tiffEXHIBIT INVENTORY CONTROL SHEET
CASE USR23-0006 - TIMOTHY AND LAURA COOK, C/O PIVOT SOLAR 35, LLC
Exhibit Submitted By Page # Description
Planning
A. Commission Resolution of Recommendation
Planning
B. Commission Summary of Hearing (Minutes dated 5/2/2023)
C. Planning Services PowerPoint Presentation
D. Applicant PowerPoint Presentation (received 5/16/2023)
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2023-1302
USR23 0006
Applicant: Timothy and Laura Cook, c/o Pivot Solar 35, LLC
Planner: Diana Aungst
Request: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review
Permit fora Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and
historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Legal Description: Lot B of Recorded Exemption, RECX1S-0103; Part
of the SW1/4 NWI/4 of Section 11, Township 4 North, Range 66 West of
the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location: East of and adjacent to County Road 33; approximately 0.5
miles north of County Road 46.
Sign
WELD COUNTY, CO
ublic hearings concerning this pe e heard before the
County Planning Commission and
Board of County Commissioners.
Both hearings will be held at:
WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1150
"0" street • Greeley, CO 80631
Planning Commission Hearing will be held on
20,; at:
Board of County Commissioner Hearing will be held on
Sct-1-9-----20.x. at: j .
Applicant: •
xe2s1 LI-G
Rec Specific Development Plan
Aslte_
Special Review Permit
and Use by ..
(SEF)
for a Solar Energy Facility visions s and historic
outside of subdi
townsltes Irk tbe (Ag1tCURU13t)
— Zone District.
Case Number: OSkf3—n..
PLEASE CONTACT
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OF
AT THE WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT
PLANNING SERVICES, AT 970-353-0100, ext.
For Additional Information visit 'T Special gale* rtt+'""g
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Staff finds that this Use by Special Review is consistent with Section 23-2-220.A.
Section 23-2-220.A.1. - That the proposal is consistent with Chapter 22 of this Code and any other
applicable code provision or ordinance in effect.
S ection 23-2-220.A.2. - That the proposal is consistent with the intent of the district in which the use is
located.
Section 23-2-220.A.3. - That the uses which would be permitted will be compatible with the existing
surrounding land uses.
S ection 23-2-220.A.4. - That the USES which would be permitted will be compatible with future
development of the surrounding area as permitted by the existing zoning and with the future
development as projected by Chapter 22 of this Code or Master Plans of affected municipalities.
S ection 23-2-220.A.5. - That the application complies with Articles V and Xl of this Chapter if the
proposal is located within an Overlay Zoning District or a Special Flood Hazard Area identified by maps
officially adopted by the County.
S ection 23-2-220.A.6. - That if the use is proposed to be located in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, the
applicant has demonstrated a diligent effort has been made to conserve prime farmland in the locational
decision for the proposed use.
S ection 23-2-220.A.7. - That there is adequate provision for the protection of the health, safety and
welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and the County.
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EQUIPMENT P
AC SWITCHBOARDS ()
PV PRODUCTION ME a ER (2)
AC DISCONNECTS (2)
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UTILITY POLE #2: UTILITY PROTECTIVE
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End of USR23 0006
EXHIBIT
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Pivot
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PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC, Pivoi SOLAR 35 LLC, PIVOT
SOLAR 36 LLC
WELD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MAY 17, 2023
Clean Energy. Clear Choice.
OVERVIEW
•
•
•
■
Who is Pivot Energy?
Why these sites?
Project details (general up front, then
specifics during individual hearings)
Community impact and engagement
How Community Solar works
Site -specific information (incl.
agricultural preservation)
Conclusion
Q&A
n Pivot Energy
WHO IS PIVOT ENERGY?
•
•
A national leader in smaller scale solar projects
13 years of experience, 975 national projects, 650 project clients
• Specialized in community solar and onsite/rooftop solar projects
• HQ in Denver, CO with footprints in NM, MN, IL, NY, CA, VA, and more
Certified B -Corporation
• Exceedingly high standards for environmental, social, and governance factors
Track record of investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to local schools, LMI
residents, and community organizations where our projects are based
• These projects are 100% donated = $48.5 - $56M over 20 years (how?)
• Triple -bottom -line philosophy: people, planet, profit
Long-term owner and partner
Pivot Energy will retain ownership of the projects over their entire life and be
the responsible entity for an operational issue and post -decommissioning
restorations
CiPivotEnergy
PROJECT DETAILS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Why these sites?
• Good topography (flat) and solar resources (lots of
sun!)
a Proximity to distribution -level electrical
infrastructure
• Weld County's "energy agnosticism" and leadership
in energy development of all kinds
Single -axis trackers "follow the sun"
8 feet above average grade
Low impact use allows the land to continue
agricultural production and maintain soil quality
• Upgrading and improving irrigation
Low -growth, native seed mix will be used and
sheep will be grazed
Noxious weed and vegetation mitigation
AM
tratSara
asatirriar Ader
t.
t,,; Pivot Energy
PROJECT DETAILS (CONT'D)
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
Surrounded by decorative, wildlife -friendly game fence
No dust, noise, glare or light pollution
Majority of construction concentrated over 2-3 months
Once operational, 4-8 maintenance visits per year
Operational for 20-40 years
Detailed decommissioning plan and bond commitment that aligns with the
decommissioning conditions in the land lease
Property tax benefits without additional draw on County resources
Highest and best use as determined by the property owner
Comprehensive outreach campaign to nearby neighbors
Significant community benefits in direct donations and other support
t(1:it Pivot Energy
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Pivot Energy is accelerating an equitable shift to clean energy in communities throughout the nation by developing, financing, and servicing renewable energy
projects. Pivot aims to be a leader in socially impactful and responsible solar development, ensuring our projects deliver meaningful benefits to the
communities we operate in. When possible, we develop projects that reduce energy burden for income -limited families, create workforce pathways for local
residents to join the solar industry, and include community reinvestment plans driven by community stakeholder input. Our community investment program
has donated and pledged over $1,100,000 to community -based organizations across the country.
-� Reducing Energy Burden: through supporting partners that help with utility bill assistance, weatherization or electrification
Education & Outreach: through supporting partners that invest in education, workforce development, scholarships, or other career services
4 Solar for All: through investing in groups that help to lower the barrier to entry for income qualified households to reap the benefits of distributed
renewable energy generation
Pivot's Social Impact Reinvestment Pillars
Utility Bill Assistance
Weathenzation
Electrification
Income Qualified
Subscriptions
Workforce Training
Scholarships
Career Services
Lowenng Barners to
Entry
Pivot staff volunteering with Energy
Outreach Colorado to send energy
bill assistance packages to
limited -income families. Pivot leas
donated $225k to EOC to support
their work to reduce energy burdens
for families across Colorado.
Pivot giving a solar tour to workforce
development partner DREAM Solar, that
trains under -represented groups to join
the solar workforce. in 2021, Pivot
donated 5 solar systems for the DREAM
team to install in historically Black and
Latinx neighborhoods in Denver.
�;,,,itk Pivot Energy
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
• Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong,
two-way relationship with neighbors
• Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent
neighbors:
1. Community Meeting held at Weld Werks
Brewing Company on September 7, 2022
• Pivot developers were present at the
meeting to answer questions
2. County letters informing neighbors of the
project
3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same
individuals on April 18, 2023
4*. Direct conversations with multiple
neighbors, both inbound and outbound
• No concerns received by planning staff or
Pivot directly on any of the projects
Example buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500)
in Pivot Energy
PROJECT BENEFITS TO WELD COUNTY
• Property Tax Revenue: $1,400,000 for the initial 20 years, and $2,800,000
over 40 years (total for 3 projects)
• Energy Security: All power generated stays in Weld County
•
Community Investment: Pivot will make community investments to support
workforce development and additional energy bill assistance
• $240,000 committed to community -based organizations in the County
• $85,000 will be donated to the Greeley -Weld Economic Development Partnership
Incorporated (Formerly "Bright Futures") to support approx. 40 students in Weld
County to pursue their career dreams
• Remaining direct donation to be informed by community partner input
r Pivot Energy
PROJECT BENEFITS CONTINUED
• 100% Donated Projects: What, Why, How?
■ This broader portfolio comprises the most extensive LMI community solar portfolio
developed to date - opportunity for Weld to be recognized as a national leader
through commitment to energy equity & diversity
• What: 100% of the power from this solar garden will be donated to hardworking
Weld County residents to help manage their rising electricity bills
• 2500+ households served
• $48.5 - $56 million over the first 20 years
• Participants will save approximately 50% on each bill
• Why: Put in context —> Kim Shields, Director of Energy Assistance and Solar Programs,
Energy Outreach Colorado
C Pivot Energy
ENERGY OUTREACH COLORADO
A comprehensive approach
Energy Outreach Colorado leads a network of
industry, state and local partners to Support, Stabilize
and Sustain Coloradans to afford their energy needs
All Coloradans can afford their energy needs.
Strategic Fo dation
SUPPORT ► Bill Assistance, Furnace Repair - Short Term
STABILIZE ► Energy Efficiency, Behavior Change - Mid Term
SUSTAIN ► Renewable Subscriptions, Advocacy - Long Term
10
O
Long Term
Utility Bill
Affordability
Crisis Energy Services
Bill Assistance
Emergency Heating Service
D
Energy
Efficiency
PARTNER NETWORK
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•
11
EOC has a network of agency partners
in Weld County:
• The Salvation Army
• Catholic Charities
• Goodwill of Colorado
Advantages:
• Community -based
• Trusted relationships
• One-on-one sessions with a case worker
• Financial coaching
• Energy education
9
goodwill
Goodwill
COLORADO
Catholic
Charities
USA
WELD COUNTY
The need:
• In 2022, EOC assisted 1,984 Weld County households with $1,041,500 in past due energy bills
• Applicants from Weld County have increased 78% from last program year
• Applicants have carried X1,873,520 in arrears, a 159% increase from the same time last year
The solution:
• Since 2021, EOC has enrolled 223 Weld County households in free community solar,
saving X82,000 to date
• Pivot Energy's proposed projects in Weld County would provide an affordable energy
bill to 2,500 more households in need
12
HOW DOES COMMUNITY SOLAR WORKS WHAT DO YOU MEAN "DONATING 100%"?
Typical structure (simplified)
Project sells energy and
RECs to the utility ...at a low rate, to be competitive in the RFP solicitation.
Subscriber contracts
with community solar
purchase bill credits
...at a higher rate to generate
enough revenue to support
the project.
'I
II
I
I
I
i
II
II
II
Subscriber receives
energy bill credits
on utility bill
REC= Renewable Energy Credit
Subscriber
receives energy
and bill from utility
as usual
CPivot Energy
Pivot Structure (specific to this project)
Subscriber contracts
with community solai
purchase bill credits
Because Pivot is "selling" REC's
to the Utility at a higher rate,
that revenue is enough to cover the cost
of building and operating the project and
as such we 4.rg pblc jg donate 100% of
the associated bill credits to hardworking
low and moderate 'Kane Coloradans.
Protect sells energy and
RECs to the utihty...at a higher rate.
1I
U
1
I I
11
Subscriber receives
energy bill credits
on utility bill
REC= Renewable Energy Credit
Subscriber
receives energy
and bill from utility
as usual
n Pivot Energy
PROJECT SPECIFICS:
PIVOT SOLAR 35 LLC
f
Pivot Energy
SITE DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 35 LLC
•
•
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•
•
Great site for solar - unirrigated,
dryland
Not NRCS Prime Farmland
Land lease with Tim and Laurie
Cook
4 MWac CSG
Located just north of the intersection
at CO 33 and CO 36
Existing access: off CR 33 (Evans)
11,000-11,500 panels
Pivot will obtain waivers for
screening or will install opaque
fencing/landscaping
rLP
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NEIGHBOR OUTREACH
• Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong,
two-way relationship with neighbors
• Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent
neighbors:
1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks
Brewing Company on September 7, 2022
• Pivot developers were present at the
meeting to answer questions
2. County letters informing neighbors of the
project
3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same
individuals on April 18, 2023
4*. Direct conversations with multiple
neighbors, both inbound and outbound
• No concerns received by planning staff or
Pivot directly
Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500)
II.
�` �;� Pivot Energy
17
SITE PRODUCTION SPECIFICS
• The site is unirrigated and unfarmed due to insufficient water resources
• Not NRCS Prime Farmland
• Landowner is choosing solar in order to diversify their economic return
The system will be fully decommissioned after the operational term and
returned to an improved condition
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LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: TIM AND LAURIE COOK
• Brief parcel history
• Why we chose solar
• Water resource constraints
• Economic security
�'�,;�Pivot Energy
19
CONCLUSION
•
•
•
•
We are grateful to the Weld County Planning Commission for
unanimously recommending this project be approved by the BOCC
Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members
• Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County
• Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($14.6-$16.8 million)
• Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system
($500k -$1M, 20 & 40 years)
• Community donations to local organizations ($70,000)
• Not on prime farmland
Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural
preservation, and energy diversification
Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other
development options
Thank you! Questions?
n Pivot Energy
I
PROJECT SPECIFICS:
PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC
Pivot Energy
PROJECT DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC
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Parcel is owned by Jerry Loeffler
5 MWac Community Solar Garden (CSG)
Located at 23896 CR 35
Just south of Pivot Solar 22 LLC
(ZPSF22-0001)
Existing access: off CR 35
No homes within 500 feet that do not have
waivers for landscape buffer (Hernandez
and Villalobos to the North do)
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0 Pivot Energy
NEIGHBOR OUTREACH
• Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong,
two-way relationship with neighbors
• Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent
neighbors:
1. Community Meeting held at Weld Werks
Brewing Company on September 7, 2022
• Pivot developers were present at the
meeting to answer questions
2. County letters informing neighbors of the
project
3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same
individuals on April 18, 2023
4*. Direct conversations with multiple
neighbors, both inbound and outbound
• No concerns received by planning staff or
Pivot directly
Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500)
`• Pivot Energy
23
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION
Turfgrass
. Maximum root
depth 36 inches
Agrovoltaics
Water and Soil Conservation
4
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Native Grasses
& Forbs
Common root depth
46 feet
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Pollinators and Habitats
Our methods of holistic land management enrich the soil beneath our panels, provides farmers and
ranchers with new sources of income, creates pollinator habitat, increases biodiversity
• Temporary use with conservation qualities
• Groundcover and buffer species to be selected for native and pollinating traits
• Soil rests for the site's useful life, similar to USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)*
• Allows productive use of land while avoiding more intensive development in the area
https.//wwwitsa.usdatuoviprograms-and-services/conservation-procrams/conservation-reserve-program/
0 Pivot Energy
l 24
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RETENTION: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC
•
•
•
•
•
•
A large portion of the parcel will be reserved
for continued agricultural use
Buffer for neighbors
Pivot will work with the landowner to maintain
current irrigation practices on non -solar area
or convert to SDI
Landowner will maintain water rights
Landowner is choosing to pair solar and
agriculture in order to diversify the economic
return
The land will be returned to its agricultural
state for continued production once the
system is decommissioned
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CONVERSION TO SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION?
• Subsurface drip irrigation is a toes -pressure,
high efficiency irrigation system that uses
buried drip tubes or drip tape to meet crop
water needs.
• Subsurface irrigation saves water and
improves yields by eliminating surface
water evaporation and reducing the
incidence of weeds and disease.
50-60% less water than flood irrigation,
30-40% less than sprinkler
• Increase in yields reported
• Irrigate under solar panels as well as in
buffer areas - hay or forage grass under
panels
• In discussion with High Plains Irrigation
(based in Ault, CO) and SEIP (CSU lead
research on site near Kersey)
11
esiE
1. SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION
EFFICIENCY PROJECT
es• Pivot Ener
NREL & CSU RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
•
•
Engaging in discussions for a partnership with a student at the Colorado
School of Mines
• How can we integrate food crops with PV installations?
• 3 sites used to evaluate feasibility of growing food crops beneath solar arrays
with little to no change in typical PV design
Proposed measurements include:
• Carbon sequestration of crops vs. typical seed mixes
• Soil water retention to quantify irrigation needs with vs. without array
Potential CSU Soils laboratory and Alan Knapp's laboratory partnership
• Working to narrow down sites for use to study soils and different grazing
approaches
fAa Pivot Energy
27
LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: BERRY LOFFLER
• Brief parcel history
• Why we chose solar
• Water resource constraints
• Economic security
"--,-,4
eik Pivot Energy
28
CONCLUSION
•
•
•
•
We are grateful to the Weld County Planning Commission for
unanimously recommending this project be approved by the BOCC
Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members
• Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County
• Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($16.9 -$19.5 million)
• Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system
($403,000-$789,000, 20 & 40 years)
• Community donations to local organizations ($85,000 direct donation)
I. Retention of agricultural character
Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural
preservation, and energy diversification
Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other
development options
Thank you! Questions?
C') Pivot Energy
PROJECT
Pivot Energy
SITE DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC
■
■
Parcel is owned by Erik Davis (and
family)
5 MWac CSG
Located at 22440 CR 35
Just north of Pivot Solar 23 LLC
(ZPSF22-002)
Existing access: off CR 35
11,000-11,500 panels
No homes within 500 feet
• Specifically designed agricultural
buffer
UTILITY POLE #1
PRIMARY METER
(POCC)
PROPOSED 500
KWac CSG IN
DEVELOPMENT
"OW •ISIS
NICArall AO
aCCS
ran. ven-ji
.Fad ..2
esti el sir
USR BOUNDARY
PROJECT FENCE
8' CHAIN LINK OR
GAME FENCE
PAD MOUNTED
CUSTOMER OWNED
STEP UP TRANSFORMERS
(2x 2750kVA MIN.)
EQUIPMENT PAD
INVERTERS
AC SWITCHGEAR
CUSTOMER OWNED PV PRODUCTION METERS (2)
AC DISCONNECT
AUXILIARY TRANSFORMER
DAS / WEATHER STATION
GROUNDING TRANSFORMER
UG MV RUN FROM
STEP UP XFMR TO
CUSTOMER POLE #1 (-1770')
0 Pivot Energy
NEIGHBOR OUTREACH
Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong,
two-way relationship with neighbors
Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent
neighbors:
1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks
Brewing Company on September 7, 2022
• Pivot developers were present at the
meeting to answer questions
2. County letters informing neighbors of the
project
3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same
individuals on April 18, 2023
4*. Direct conversations with Joyce Sandau
• No concerns received by planning staff or
Pivot directly
Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500)
0 Pivot Energy
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION
Tu grass
Maximum goat
depth 3-6 inches
Agrovoltaics
'Arti
ti.
•
Water and Soil Conservation
i
i
Native Grasses
& Forbs
Common root
4-6 Feet
,
r
depth
Pollinators and Habitats
Our methods of holistic land management enrich the soil beneath our panels, provides farmers and
ranchers with new sources of income, creates pollinator habitat, increases biodiversity
• Temporary use with conservation qualities
• Groundcover and buffer species to be selected for native and pollinating traits
• Soil rests for the site's useful life, similar to USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)*
• Allows productive use of land while avoiding more intensive development in the area
httos.//www,tsa.usda,gov/programs-and-services/conservatton-vroorams/conservation-reserve-prouranii
n�Pivot Energy
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RETENTION: PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC
• Farmland on the west used as a
buffer for the neighbors from the
solar project
• A large portion of the parcel will be
reserved for continued agricultural
use - convert sprinkler to flood
irrigation on Western portion? SDI?
• Landowner will maintain water rights
(ditch & well)
• Landowner is choosing to pair solar
and agriculture in order to diversify
the economic return
• The land will be returned to its
agricultural state for continued
production once the system is
decommissioned
II
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.34
CONVERSION TO SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION?
• Subsurface drip irrigation is a low-pressure,
high efficiency irrigation system that uses
buried drip tubes or drip tape to meet crop
water needs.
• Subsurface irrigation saves water and
improves yields by eliminating surface
water evaporation and reducing the
incidence of weeds and disease.
• 50-60% less water than flood irrigation,
30-40% less than sprinkler
• Increase in yields reported
• Irrigate under solar panels as well as in
buffer areas - hay or forage grass under
panels
• In discussion with High Plains Irrigation
(based in Ault, CO) and SEIP (CSU lead
research on site near Kersey)
SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION
EFFICIENCY PROJECT
C Pivot Energy
NREL 8c CSU RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
•
•
•
Engaging in discussions for a partnership with a student at the Colorado
School of Mines
How can we integrate food crops with PV installations?
3 sites used to evaluate feasibility of growing food crops beneath solar arrays
with little to no change in typical PV design
Proposed measurements include:
Carbon sequestration of crops vs. typical seed mixes
Soil water retention to quantify irrigation needs with vs. without array
Potential CSU Soils laboratory and Alan Knapp's laboratory partnership
Working to narrow down sites for use to study soils and different grazing
approaches
i=-44k
n Pivot Energy
LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: ERIK DAVIS
• Brief parcel and agricultural
history
• Water resources available
• Why I chose solar
• Economic security
()Pivot Energy
CONCLUSION
•
•
•
We are grateful to the Weld County Planning Commission for unanimously
recommending this project be approved by the BOCC
Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members
• Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County
• Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($17 -$19.7 million)
Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system
($547,000-$1,070,131 @ 20 & 40 years)
• Community donations to local organizations
• $85,000 direct community informed donations
• Retention of agricultural character
Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural preservation,
and energy diversification
Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other
development options
Thank you! Questions?
�'�,P Pivot Energy
38
THANK YOU
Q&A
o
Kyle Sundman
ksundmanpivotenerciy.net
719-233-4322
D
in
pivotenergy.net
Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands
Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part
Map Symbol
72
t _ I
Map Unit Name
Vona loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes
Farmland of local importance
rcrunwa3371 ILO CLu t
PS35
-Unirrigated
-Not Prime Farmland
CI) Pivot Energy
40
Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands 0
Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part
Map Symbol
46
Map Unit Name
Olney fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes
75 Vona sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes
Farmland Classification
Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I
(soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not
exceed 60
Farmland of statewide importance
C, Pivot Energy
PS33
PS36
Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands
0
Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part
Map Symbol
3
Map Unit Name
Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum
Farmland Classification
Prime farmland if drained and either protected
from flooding or not frequently flooded during
the growing season
'
Cei
Pivot Energy
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Pivot Energy
NOISE
•
•
•
Equipment that makes noise
(inverters) are located hundreds of
feet from the nearest residence,
placed in the center of the array
The decibel rating is equivalent to
a residential air conditioning unit
None of the equipment operates
early in the morning or late at night
The equipment is "off' when the
sun is not out
In I M
HUH
Jaw
1
x
300' SOUND BUFFER (SOUND
RETURNS TO AMB!Er1T CONDITIONS
APPROXDItATE PROPOSED NVERTErR
ro-
* x
a-
�'�,;�PivotEnergy
GLARE
■
•
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 and if glare is
produced, they are not doing their job!
Create(
Update
Time-si
Timex()
Site ID
Project
Project
Catego
Misc.
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Pupil
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Sun !
Surr
PV N
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PS
PS: PS
PS 3.
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Created
Updated
Time•sted
Timezone
Minimum
Site ID 89
Project ty
Project st
Category
Misc. A
C)Nh varil
ocular Ir
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• 1191
Forge
PS 36 full site analysis
PS36 full site report
Created ADM 10, 2021
Updated Apre 19. 2023
Time step I i•ufndv
Timezone onset U1C
Site ID 8858$ 151j65
Project type Advanced
Project status: active
Category 1 MW to 5 MW
Misc. Analysis Settings
1JNI vane. (1,000.0 WOm"2 peak)
(kueu trwrenera ton cyuettwaint: 04
Pupil duennter 0.002m
F ve local length. 0.017 m
Scar twbtandal raw* 9.3 mac*
Summary of Results No glare predicted!
PV Name
PV array I
Tilt
deg
SA tracking
Orientation
deg
SA tracking
1'V AI Wyss Mwtro t$Sogy Vanden 2
1-nitw...«1 ,ud)linnl«d erwr nrrc*Yabiwt On
"Green" Glare
min
0
"Yellow" Glare
min
ForgeSolar
Energy Produced
kWh
0
45
PROPERTY VALUE
• 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
o•eratin• in com•liance with all re•ulato standards will similarly not be adversely affected, in either the short
or longterm periods.
tjPivot Energy
IMPACT ON WILDLIFE
•
•
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
()Pivot Energy
r•
,rjy i�l F
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
•
•
•
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
Q
Pivot Energy
HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPACTS
• 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
NC CLEAN ENERGY
I4. 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 Carolina'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.
An Pivot Energy
WHAT'S INSIDE A SOLAR MODULE?
Tabbing
Solar Cells
Sn Coated Cu Busbar and Tabbing -
Pb/Sn solder is used to attach
tabbing to the cell metallization and
to the busbars
41
Aluminum
Busbar
Front Metal Grid (Ag)
SiNx Anti -reflective Layer
Silicon Wafer
I
Junction Box
Aluminum Frame
Frame Adhesive
Tempered, Low -Fe
Cover Glass
Polymeric Encapsulation
Film 1 (e.g., EVA)
Stringed Solar Cells
Sn Coated Cu Busbar
Polymeric Encapsulation
Film 2 (e.g., EVA)
Backsheet
(e.g., PET/PVF
polymeric laminate)
https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling
CPivot Energy
SOLAR PANEL TOXICITY
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.
(https://www.cancer.neUblog/2022-01 /can-having-solar-panels-or-li
ving-near-solar-farm-increase-your-cancer-risk)
tr:„/PivotEnergy
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