Question 1

Who is Vesper Energy? What other solar projects has Vesper Energy developed?

Accepted Answer

Vesper Energy is a leading developer and owner of renewable energy facilities across the United States and in Pennsylvania. Vesper Energy’s mission is to develop, construct, own, and operate solar energy and energy storage facilities that contribute to a sustainable energy future while respecting and contributing to the local project community. Find out more about Vesper Energy and our projects at www.vesperenergy.com.

Question 2

Why is Vesper Energy developing solar power in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Energy production has been a mainstay in Pennsylvania for 200 years, from wood and coal to oil, natural gas and now solar and other renewables. Pennsylvania is an ideal location to diversify the energy grid with renewable energy because that is what we have been doing for decades. Solar is the future – and with good reason. Solar provides low-cost energy for consumers. Solar farms protect the landscape. There is no need to move huge amounts of dirt or for cement foundations. It is as non-intrusive a usage as imaginable under current state law.

Question 3

Why is Vesper Energy developing Firefly in Lawrence County?

Accepted Answer

We pursue projects where we have earned the trust of landowners and, here in Lawrence County, our partners remain committed to this project. The landowners believe they have the right to use their land for solar energy production. They believe it is permissible under Pennsylvania state law and is the ideal use for their property and their family.

Question 4

What benefits will Firefly Solar provide for the local area?

Accepted Answer

The Firefly Solar project will create a new, long-term source of funding for the community, including a large portion for area schools. The project will create jobs during construction and operations in Lawrence County and may hire a variety of vendors and local services. Firefly will also protect the land for future farmers making this a project a great option for the community.

Question 5

How will the project or the panels be sited? What will it look like?

Accepted Answer

The project will interconnect project facilities to the existing transmission network via a tap of an existing utility-owned line. After construction, the project area will be planted with selective vegetative screening to protect the rural character of the community.

Question 6

How many jobs are created for a project like Firefly?

Accepted Answer

This solar project is expected to create 300+ construction jobs, with a significant portion of the workforce being hired locally.

Question 7

How do solar projects impact nearby property values?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy makes for a great neighbor. It is quiet, can be hidden, and does not produce a smell. But don’t take our word for it, see what experts in the industry are saying about solar and property values: Source - SEIA (https://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/Solar%20Property%20Value%20FactSheet%202019-PRINT_1.pdf)and Source - ACP.(https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Solar-and-Property-Values-Fact-Sheet_2.2.22.pdf)

Question 8

Will there be visual screening for the benefit of the residents and property owners adjoining the project?

Accepted Answer

Firefly Solar will work with a landscape designer to develop and implement a plan for evergreen-type vegetative screening the project areas viewable from residential structures. Landscape screening is proven to minimize or eliminate visual impact of solar equipment and helps to retain the natural character of a rural community.

Question 9

What happens when the project is decommissioned?

Accepted Answer

Vesper Energy will adhere to all state and local rules around decommissioning ensuring the landowners and other taxpayers are not impacted. Our lease agreements with landowners and local jurisdictions spell out these obligations, including provisions to provide a financial security that ensures the project will have the resources needed to remove all equipment after installation. Once the equipment is removed the land will be ready to farm as it will be in essentially the same condition it is today.

Question 10

How long will Vesper Energy and Firefly Solar hold the leases signed with the local landowners? What will happen to the leases once the project is built?

Accepted Answer

Firefly Solar intends to own and operate this solar facility. If this changes, the community will be informed. Regardless of who owns and operates the facility, all terms in the lease and all local and state laws must be honored and followed.

Question 11

How will this project impact tenant farmers?

Accepted Answer

Firefly Solar will work with tenant farmers who lease ground from landowners who receive solar facilities on their property. To learn more about this option contact us at info@fireflysolarpa.com (mailto:info@fireflysolarpa.com)

Question 12

How are solar panels disposed of?

Accepted Answer

As more solar projects reach end of life and achieve sufficient economic scale, there will be more opportunity for recycling materials. Details on panel recycling can be found in the United States Environmental Protection Agency website, at https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling.(https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling)

Question 13

Will local first responders and fire fighters need additional training?

Accepted Answer

It is unlikely 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.

Question 14

Will the solar panels used at the Firefly Solar project leak hazardous materials?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do solar panels work cloudy days and at night?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels generate the most power in direct sunlight, but they can also produce power using indirect or diffuse sunlight – so they still work on cloudy days, and in fact, rain helps to keep solar panels operating efficiently by keeping them clean! At Vesper Energy, we carefully choose our project locations to ensure that our solar projects produce as much clean power as possible and Lawrence County will provide the appropriate conditions to make this project successful.

Question 16

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Accepted Answer

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. After heavier snowfalls, the panels may need to be cleared by facility employees.

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