benefits

AMERICAN-MADE ENERGY

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

SUPPORTING THE ECONOMY

Along with creating a more secure and reliable energy grid that supports the local economy, Aurora Renewable Energy will generate tax revenue to support the community. This project will provide local landowners ongoing revenue that is predictable and reliable, allowing them to maintain their family land for future generations. This project will create approximately 50 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 stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other vendors.

EDUCATION FUNDS

Local school districts are expected to be one of the direct beneficiaries of funding from Aurora Renewable Energy’s tax revenue, resulting in significant new dollars over the project’s life while requiring no resources from the local school district.

LAND USE BENEFITS

Solar projects preserve the agricultural character of the community and protect against permanent residential or commercial developments. As inflation, labor costs, and transportation costs make it more difficult year over year for farmers, projects like Aurora Energy provide an opportunity for landowners to maintain their family land for future generations. Revenue from solar projects is predictable, reliable, drought-resistant, and not subject to swings in commodity prices, making it a great choice for many family farms. Once the solar project reaches the end of its useful life, the land will be thoughtfully restored and ready for farming, ensuring there are no lasting impacts on its agricultural potential.

SAFEGUARDING WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY

Wildlife protection and biodiversity are a priority in Vesper’s solar project siting process. After an appropriate location is found with existing, suitable land use and transmission access, our team conducts environmental assessments to identify any sensitive areas or impact on wildlife, 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.

PRESERVING WATER & ENVIRONMENT

Solar energy projects contribute to a cleaner environment for all because they don’t create any air pollution and conserve water. Unlike many power production methods, solar energy projects use negligible amounts of water, with the majority of locations relying on natural precipitation to clean panels. The infrastructure of solar projects, including underground cabling and support poles, is installed at depths that don't affect groundwater quality, leaving minimal impact on the environment. The vegetation surrounding solar can enhance local water quality by mitigating erosion, reducing nutrient runoff, and enhancing soil moisture retention, thereby promoting groundwater recharge and bolstering the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.

DECOMMISSIONING

Aurora Renewable Energy leases include decommissioning requirements on leased land. To protect taxpayers from any risk, money will be set aside with the county to cover the cost of decommissioning. This means that as part of our application, we will submit financial assurances to Stanislaus County. Additionally, Aurora 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.

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