FAQs

Will this project have any community benefits?

Yes, this solar farm will have several community benefits, as follows:

  • It will create a much higher tax revenue stream since a large portion of the property will no longer be taxed for agricultural use but for commercial use.  This will be a guaranteed source of income for the Town of Skaneateles, Onondaga County, and the Skaneateles Central School District without adding any burden to the local infrastructure or school system.
  • The solar farm will be a supplemental power source to the local utility, creating a more stable electric grid.
  • The solar farm provides 6,426 metric tons of greenhouse gas savings per year (source:https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).  This is equivalent to 809 homes’ energy use for one year.
  • TJA projects are “pollinator friendly” utilizing native flowers and shrubs to provide habitat and food to pollinators and other species that are critical to the health and future of agriculture and food production.
If approved, will this project allow more solar farms in Skaneateles?
No.  The Town of Skaneateles has an established local solar law already implemented into their code.  Whether more projects are approved or not is strictly determined by whether they meet the Town code.  In addition, the substations and distribution lines have limited capacity with how many projects they can interconnect.
Why did you choose this area and location?

This area was chosen for multiple reasons. When we screened this property, the substation and distribution line had enough capacity for our proposed project. This property is also relatively flat and open, with natural screening surrounding the entire parcel. The existing vegetative screening provides our project with an aesthetically pleasing and natural buffer.

Will there be a glare or noise from the site?

There will be no glare from this project. The panels that are used are coated with an anti-glare coating. The sound generated from the project comes from the inverter bank and transformers, which are centrally located and are minimal. There will be no sound from this facility beyond the property lines.

What will happen to property values in the area?
Property values will not be affected by the installation of this project. We have included several studies in the “Documents” section that provide empirical research and data of this conclusion.
Are the electromagnetic fields that will be produced at a dangerous level?

No. There are EMFs at the transformers that dissipate to negligible levels by the time you reach the fence line of the project. Hazardous EMF levels will not be experienced beyond the fence lines. We have included a Health and Safety analysis of solar farms in the “Documents” section.

Can the land ever be used for anything else again?
Yes. We will be required to maintain the existing soil characteristics without alteration during construction and operation, per New York State Ag and Markets guidelines. At the end of the life of the solar facility, the site will be decommissioned and brought back to existing conditions so the landowner may continue agricultural activities. In addition, during the project’s life, the underlying soils will have the opportunity to heal and replenish the essential nutrients needed for good agrarian use. The farmland will be better prepared for growing and harvesting after the project’s useful life by providing this pause on growing crops.
How do I sign up for a subscription to this project (or others) to receive a discount on my electric bill?

Enrollment is free and super simple! You can click the link here to go directly to the signup page or you can call to speak to one of our Ampion representatives at (800) 277-3631.