FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vesper Energy provides innovative solutions to today’s complex energy challenges. Headquartered in the greater Dallas area, Vesper Energy is comprised of professionals who have collectively delivered more than 10 GW of renewable energy projects globally. Today, we own and operate 100 MW of solar projects, and our pipeline includes over 55 renewable energy and energy storage projects with a generating capacity of 17 GW; enough to power more than 2 million homes. Working with their customers, communities, and business partners, Vesper Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects across the United States with the goal to build a better energy infrastructure. www.vesperenergy.com/about
We pursue projects where we have transmission capacity, and building requires minimal environmental impact. We work hard to earn the trust of landowners and here in Stanislaus County, our partners are excited to be a part of this project that will provide numerous benefits to their local community. The landowners who entrust us with their land believe it's the best choice for their property and their family.
They believe it's their right to choose what to harvest on their land and they've chosen to harvest the sun
This project will create a new, long-term source of funding for the community, including significant benefits for area schools. The project will create jobs in Stanislaus County during construction and operations and may hire a variety of vendors and local services. Aurora Renewable Energy will also preserve farmland for future generations, making this project a great option for the community.
Aurora Renewable Energy is expected to create approximately 50 jobs during construction. Once operational, the facility will also support approximately 2 long-term positions.
Aurora 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.
Aurora Renewable Energy leases include the decommissioning requirement that financial assurance funds be set aside to remediate the site. 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.
The vast majority of solar panels installed in the U.S. are still within their operational lifespans (typically 20-30 years). As such, cost-effective opportunities to recycle solar panels are limited. However, this is an issue the solar industry is working proactively to address, and as more solar panels reach end of life in the coming years, opportunities to recover and recycle the materials in solar panels will expand. Details on panel recycling can be found in the United States Environmental Protection Agency website, at https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling.
It is unlikely that a serious event will happen at the site. However, a comprehensive emergency management plan will be created prior to construction. This will ensure safety personnel in the community are trained and able to respond appropriately.
No. Vesper Energy is committed to only using solar panels that meet or exceed environmental safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These standards ensure that during normal operations - as well as in the unlikely event a solar panel is damaged - the panels will not release any substances or materials that are considered hazardous under federal law.
Yes! Solar panels work well in cold weather. Snow and ice are also generally not an issue – small amounts of snow are usually blown off by the wind, or snow may slide off on its own because the panels are tilted at an angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Both help keep the modules clean throughout the winter season.