FAQs

Get the Facts

Learn more about the Sunman Solar project here! Below are answers to some of the most-asked questions about solar energy.

How do solar panels work?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are constructed of silicon, tempered glass, electrical wiring, and polymers and are mounted upon a steel frame called racking. Silicon, a scientific element most commonly found in sand, has conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The interaction of sunlight with a silicon cell sets in motion the electrons in silicon. This movement initiates the flow of electric current in a process known as the “photovoltaic effect.”

 

What other equipment is usually present at a solar project?

Other project infrastructure present at a solar project includes common electrical equipment such as power inverters (which convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power), transformers (which “step up” the voltage of the power to a higher kV rating for transmission on the power grid), underground collector lines, overhead transmission lines, and a substation.

How do solar projects benefit the communities in which they are located?
Solar projects provide numerous benefits to the communities in which they are sited. Solar projects represent significant local investments and drive meaningful increases in the local taxable property base. Solar projects also provide guaranteed annual property tax payments to local taxing jurisdictions, which allow county and local officials to make long-term financial plans and increase spending on public services and other critically important infrastructure. Large-scale solar projects pay millions of dollars per year directly to landowners through lease and easement agreements, resulting in a diversified revenue stream that protects against fluctuating commodity prices and preserves family properties for future generations. In addition, these projects directly create hundreds of full-time equivalent jobs during the construction and installation phases and support indirect and induced jobs during development and construction.
Is solar power reliable?

Solar power is a reliable source of energy, with solar projects now operating in all 50 states across the U.S. A solar project will produce power most days of the year, even under cloudy conditions, and in some cases, clouds can result in better panel performance. Further, a recent industry trend is the use of bifacial solar panels, which have solar cells that capture sunlight from the front of the panel as well as sunlight that is reflected off the ground. These panels have been shown to yield 14% more energy than standard solar panels in a tilted, ground-mounted solar installation, and during peak winter months, bifacial modules have been shown to perform as much as 40% better than single-sided panels.

No electricity source runs 100% of the time, including coal, gas, and nuclear plants. While solar is variable as a power source, its variability can be predictably forecast and used to complement other generation sources. Grid operators have decades of experience managing changes in supply and demand, including the gradual, predictable changes in solar output.

 

Do solar projects make economic sense?

Yes. Solar power is now one of the cheapest sources of new electricity in most of the world due to declining equipment costs, improved technologies, and public policies which support the generation and use of renewable energy.

In the last decade, the cost to install solar has dropped significantly. According to Lazard’s Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis – Version 18.0 (2025), even without tax credits, new solar resources have a levelized cost of energy in the range of 3.8¢/kWh – 7.8¢/kWh for large-scale solar. This range falls below the levelized cost of energy for new coal or gas combined cycle power production. These results have been bolstered by the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024, which found that “Solar PV and wind are now the cheapest sources of electricity in most markets.”

Adding to their growing appeal, solar projects are uniquely able to sell their electricity output at a fixed price over the life of the project because the “fuel” is free and not subject to increases in commodity fuel prices.

 

Are solar panels safe?

Yes. Solar panel materials are enclosed with glass and an aluminum frame and do not mix with water or vaporize into the air, so there is no risk of chemicals, including greenhouse gases, being released into the environment during normal use. Crystalline silicon PV panels, which represent approximately 90% of the solar panels in use today, “do not pose a material risk of toxicity to public health and safety.”

All solar facilities are designed to strict electrical safety standards to ensure safe operation. Product safety standards, installation requirements, and building codes for solar facilities are addressed by the National Fire Protection Agency’s National Electrical Code, the International Code Council’s International Fire Code, the International Association of Firefighters, and several other national, state and local safety and product standards groups.

 

Will the project emit electromagnetic radiation that is harmful to humans or animals?

EMF are present everywhere in our environment. Non-ionizing EMF can be found both naturally, in the earth’s magnetic crust, and in human-made products, such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, TVs, and common household appliances. Power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances emit what is known as extremely low frequency (ELF) EMF, which falls into the non-ionizing part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to the National Cancer Institute, no mechanism by which ELF-EMF could cause cancer has been identified. Non-ionizing EMF cannot damage DNA or cells directly.

 

How much wear and tear can the panels take?

Solar panel racking and anchoring systems are built to withstand high-force winds. Flexible racking systems operate like a chain link fence under duress, bending with the wind rather than staying rigid and breaking. With respect to hail and wind, solar panels are typically tested and certified to withstand hail of up to one inch falling at 50 mph and winds of up to
150 mph.

In addition, we will be exploring adding “stow” protection to the panels we select. Stow protection allows the panels to move to either a horizontal position in the event of high winds to reduce exposure, or to a vertical position in the event of a hailstorm to minimize potential damage.

The panels are designed for decades of corrosion-free operation, as they are encapsulated between two layers of transparent plastic to prevent exposure to the ambient air and moisture. These encapsulation layers are further protected with a layer of tempered glass on the front and a polymer sheet on the back. This same material has been used for decades between layers of tempered glass to give car windshields and hurricane windows their great strength, allowing them to stay intact, even under extreme conditions.

 

Will runoff from panels leach chemicals into the ground?

No. To ensure decades of corrosion-free operation, solar panels are also encapsulated between two layers of transparent plastic to prevent exposure to the ambient air and moisture. These encapsulation layers are further protected with a layer of tempered glass on the front and a polymer sheet on the back.

For decades, this same material has been used between layers of tempered glass to give car windshields and hurricane windows their great strength, allowing them to stay intact, even if damage occurs.

 

Are solar projects good for the environment?

Yes. Solar projects do not burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, and as a result, do not emit any air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, or particulate matter. Both fossil fuel and non-fossil fuel power technologies induce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions that stem from the energy requirements for their construction and operation. Known as a “carbon debt”, this debt of energy must be paid off to calculate how solar projects reduce emissions over their lifetime. A typical utility-scale solar project repays its carbon footprint in roughly 12 months or less, allowing them to provide decades of zero emission energy.

 

Do solar panels create a heat island effect?
Unlike roofs or roads, solar panels are designed to absorb energy and convert it into electricity. Due to the design and function of solar panels, the likelihood of sustained ambient temperature increase is very low. A heat island-related study was performed by academic staff from the University of Maryland at experimental sites within the boundaries of the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park Solar Zone, a semi-arid desert site. The study found that a solar project in a semiarid setting without much vegetation may temporarily heat up ambient air by a few degrees, although the heat dissipates within a few feet above and 100 feet away from the project facilities. Our projects are designed to allow placement of access roads between solar fields, the planting of native vegetation in the project area, and the installation of vegetative buffers, all of which will negate any slight increase in ambient temperature. In a follow up interview, the study’s lead author stated that there could be significant mitigation potential in planting native grasses in and around the solar project area, even potentially creating a cooler environment. He further stated that the study’s findings did not suggest any reason to move away from future solar project development, citing that the reach of the heat island effect is too small to affect local homes.  
Do solar projects make noise?

Solar facilities generate minimal sound while in operation during daylight hours. Inverters are the main source of sound with typical noise levels averaging 75 decibels (dBA) at the point source, which is equivalent to the sound of a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. Sound levels drop off quickly from the point source, resulting in much lower noise levels at the project boundary. At night, solar projects do not generate power and the potential for sound creation decreases. Further, our projects will be designed to comply with state and local laws to limit sound impacts.

 

Do solar projects negatively impact property values?

No. Property value studies conducted across the country have shown that proximity to large-scale solar projects does not measurably impact property values or deter the sale of agricultural or residential land.

Solar projects benefit all local property owners by driving economic investment and tax revenue. These funds improve roads, schools, and community services, while also keeping local taxes low – all of which factor into property values.

 

Do solar projects affect agriculture or grazing?

Solar projects are low-impact and coexist well with agriculture and grazing, operating without any impact on adjacent properties. During the solar project’s 30-year+ lifespan, the land hosting the project benefits from a fallow recovery period, allowing the soil to restore fertility and rebuild. Native vegetation can grow under the panels, allowing the land to retain water and topsoil and improving soil health over time, which can increase the productivity and value of the land for agriculture and grazing in the future.

Peer-reviewed research finds that converting farmland to perennial, native (pollinator-friendly) vegetation under and around solar arrays, and therefore reducing routine fertilizer and pesticide applications, can deliver measurable land benefits such as improved soil carbon, better water retention, and reduced erosion while supporting higher
pollinator diversity.

At the end of the solar project’s useful life, the project is decommissioned, and the land can be returned to its former use. In addition, a solar project can offer a consistent, weather-resistant source of income for rural farmers, grazers, and their local economies, providing an alternative “crop” that diversifies their revenues.

 

Do solar projects disrupt local wildlife?

When sited and developed properly, a solar facility is expected to have minimal impacts on wildlife in the area. In fact, studies show that solar facilities can provide shelter for species, promote land stability, preserve habitat, and support biodiversity. The seeding of stable, year-round herbaceous cover post-construction will likely benefit many wildlife species (i.e., ground-nesting birds, pollinators, etc.).

To better understand potential impacts, we will be completing environmental studies that will categorize existing habitat and wildlife within the project area. These studies will inform project design and construction activities so that wildlife and their habitat may be avoided.

Once constructed, solar projects produce no pollution or emissions. Furthermore, native vegetation can grow under the panels, and solar facilities can provide sanctuaries for flora and fauna to thrive.

Will glint or glare from sunlight be an issue?

Glint refers to the direct reflection of the sun on a solar panel. Glare is a continuing source of brightness, not the direct reflection of the sun. Solar arrays are designed to absorb light and produce electricity, not reflect it. The panels that we will use have an anti-reflective coating, which helps to increase the amount of light absorbed into the cell, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing glare, and allowing the panels to blend in more easily with the surrounding area. Moreover, our project will be designed with a “single-axis tracker.” This system uses small motors to pivot the solar panels to face the sun throughout the day, limiting any reflection.

What happens to the rain when it hits the panels?
The Project will use a solar panel tracking system, allowing the reflective surfaces to align with the sun as it moves across the sky. Therefore, due to continuous tilt, water will not collect on the panels during rainstorms. The rainwater that runs off the panels is absorbed into the ground, nurturing the groundcover. Any excess rainwater leaves the site as stormwater runoff, just as it does now. We will develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which will outline the plans for sediment and erosion controls to manage both the amount and composition of any stormwater discharged from the project site.
How much water is used during the construction and operation of a solar project?

Solar panels do not require water to produce electricity. The only significant water use by the project will be for dust suppression during construction, on an as-needed basis. During construction, it is anticipated that water will either be purchased from a public water supply or pumped from farm ponds located on or near the site.

Further, the climate of Dearborn County provides sufficient precipitation to keep solar panels clean. This dependable weather pattern minimizes the need to wash panels on a regular basis. If washing does occur, we will use distilled water, because groundwater can leave a film or deposits on the panels.

 

How frequently will the property be monitored?
The Project will be monitored during operating hours by onsite staff. The entire property will also be monitored remotely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How will the vegetation within the property be maintained?
Maintenance crews will maintain the perimeter and interior landscaping within the project boundaries. The interior ground cover shall not exceed 18 inches, with a typical maximum height of 12 inches, so that it doesn’t interfere with the panels or other electrical components.
Will grass be established under the panels to control potential erosion?
Yes, a variety of native grass and forb species will be planted to establish vegetative cover in all areas of the project outside of the graveled areas for access roads and substation locations. These grassy areas will be similar to existing agricultural fields in the area and will serve to minimize the potential for soil erosion on-site. We will develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which will outline the plans for sediment and erosion controls to manage both the amount and composition of any stormwater discharged from the project site.
Are solar projects fenced?
Yes. The exterior boundary around solar panels is fenced for security and safety reasons. Collection easements between panel areas are typically not fenced to allow larger wildlife to traverse through the project areas without disruption.
Do you work with local fire departments in your area?
Yes. Prior to operation, we will develop an Emergency Response Plan in accordance with industry best practices. The Plan will outline the response procedures to be employed should an emergency arise at the Project site. We will work closely and collaboratively with the local departments and authorities. We provide pre-construction training to all emergency response personnel, which includes a description of the Project, any potential construction risks, and the role of emergency responders should an incident occur. After construction is complete, we will host the emergency response personnel for a site visit to make sure they are familiar with the system and our Emergency Response Plan.
Will emergency response vehicles be able to drive down the project’s access roads?
In the event of an emergency, local emergency service providers will take the most direct available route to the site, depending upon current conditions and their starting location. We will communicate with local emergency service providers and share copies of the Security Plan and Safety Response Plan. All access roads installed as part of the project will be designed for emergency service access with 20-foot widths, emergency vehicle load-bearing capacity, turnarounds on each road, and emergency responder accessible gating.
Will herbicides be used during maintenance activities?
We will develop and implement a Vegetation Management Plan that establishes vegetation goals and identifies the specific treatments that may be used to ensure safe and reliable operation of each solar project. Common practices to control and manage vegetation will involve mechanized and agrarian means; however, herbicides may be employed on a limited basis, depending on the target plant species, land use activities, and landowner input. We are committed to the conscientious use of appropriate management techniques to control vegetation in a way that is designed to minimize the risk of unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment.
What is the typical life span of a solar panel?

PV panels are designed to last more than 25 years, and many manufacturers offer performance guarantees backed by warranties. Like many other durable products and construction materials, solar equipment can last for decades with proper maintenance, of which they require very little due to the presence of very few moving parts. Proper operations and maintenance can increase efficiency, extend a project’s lifetime, and ensure safety. Prior to construction, we will develop and implement an Operations and Maintenance Plan based on industry best practices and site-specific environmental conditions.

 

Who is responsible for decommissioning?

Our lease agreement states that the company is responsible for the decommissioning and removal of project infrastructure at the end of each project’s life. Standard decommissioning practices include dismantling and repurposing, salvaging/recycling, or disposing of the solar energy improvements, and restoration.

Additionally, Article 19 of the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance requires a Decommissioning Plan be put in place that outlines the method and anticipated cost of removing project infrastructure at the end of its useful life. The County requires that the project estimate the cost of removal, the amount of which must be verified by County officials, and subsequently deposit the removal cost plus a 20% contingency fee into an escrow account. This financial security ensures that the host community and landowners will bear no responsibility for decommissioning or restoration.

 

Can solar projects be recycled?

Solar PV panels typically consist of glass, polymer, aluminum, copper, and semiconductor materials, which can be safely disposed of in landfills at the end of the project life. In addition, recycling technologies have emerged in the last several years that have enabled these materials to be recovered and recycled at the end of their useful life. PV solar panel recycling technologies have been put in place over the last decade that have been shown to recover over 95% of semiconductor materials and over 90% of the glass in the panel. In other cases, solar PV components can be reused or refurbished to have a “second life” of generating electricity. The industry continues to work with recycling partners and to research and explore additional cost-effective recycling technologies.