Iris
Clean Energy For
Somerset County
LOCAL TAX REVENUE
CONSTRUCTION JOBS
VEGETATIVE BUFFERS, SETBACKS, AND POLLINATORS
About
Iris Solar is a responsible, environmentally-sound solar project on private property in Somerset County. The 65MW project will feature vegetative buffers, setbacks, pollinator plantings, and protected natural resources.
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Currently, the project is in the development stages. We are securing the necessary legal and environmental permits to safely and responsibly develop the project. For more information, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
~ 63 Megawatts (MW)
Homes Powered
Pollinator Habitat Plantings
Vegetative Buffers & Setbacks
Project Map
Iris
Energy
Economic Impact
Iris Solar will provide several benefits to Somerset County, including ongoing increased revenue from taxes, well-paying construction jobs, and native grass and pollinator plantings throughout the project.
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Ongoing Revenue – The project is expected to generate generous tax payments over the next three decades.
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Jobs – The project will create well-paying construction jobs over the course of 6-9 months of construction.
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Agrivoltaics/Biodiversity - The developers strive for dual use of the land on our projects. Where feasible, sheep grazing is utilized for vegetation management as well as planting of local pollinators for bees, butterflies, endangered monarchs, hummingbirds, etc.
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Vegetation- The project will maintain generous setbacks from property lines and public roads to minimize visibility. Existing vegetation will be kept within the setback, and additional native trees and shrubs will be planted where applicable.
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Clean, Reliable Energy - The electricity produced will help supply the ever-increasing demand for power locally and across the state of Pennsylvania
Environmental Impact
Iris Energy is a safe and environmentally-sound solar project that will preserve vital natural resources of Somerset County.
Iris will be a quiet neighbor with a positive impact on the environment. There will be no pollution, no noise, and no traffic once the initial construction is complete.
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The project offers a unique opportunity to the County to be able to preserve the land, while producing clean and affordable energy. Our panel manufacturer, First Solar, offers a high yield recycling program to ensure all equipment has minimal carbon impact. After decommissioning, the site will be seeded with native grass mixes and ready for other kinds of land use.
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To learn more about First Solar and their recycling program, please click below.
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Buffers &
Setbacks
Buffers and setbacks designed to minimize the visual impact of the solar farm are an important component of the proposed project. Features include a substantial setback from property boundaries and public roads. Landscaping and screening will be provided along these roads and adjacent properties, where applicable. This will screen the project from view and maintain the existing character of the area.
Vegetation
The design of the proposed project includes landscaping and buffers which will screen the project from view and further help maintain the existing character of the area. Our development process includes an evaluation of the existing vegetation, in conformance with the County land development code, and will pursue opportunities to establish ground cover with native species. In addition, pollinator mixes will be planted in parts of the project to increase biodiversity on site.
State Permitting
In order to comply with state requirements, Iris Energy will obtain an environmental permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Recourses (PA DCNR). As part of the permit process, the impact on threatened and endangered species is evaluated and mitigation plans, if needed, are developed.
FAQ's
Is solar safe?
Unequivocally yes. Solar panels are designed and tested to withstand a range of environmental conditions. They are also designed to prevent any metals or resources from leaking into the ground or water.
Will the solar project cause glare?
The project will be screened by vegetation to avoid glint or glare to nearby roads or properties. It also received a Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation from the Federal Aviation Association.
Where will the project be located?
It will be located on a privately owned, industrially zoned parcels west of Central City, Somerset County.
What will happen to the project after its useful lifetime?
The project will be decommissioned by the project owner. Valuable components will be resold and remaining equipment will be recycled and land will be reseeded with native grass mixes.
How will the project affect property values?
Research shows that utility-scale solar projects do not have any negative impact on neighboring residential property values. Based on numerous market studies, interviews with land brokers, research carried out by universities and other independent third parties, there is lack of evidence that solar projects decrease real property values of nearby properties.