Community
Benefits
Solar and storage projects are drivers of economic development. They don’t require any county resources, yet they produce a substantial amount of tax revenue.
Likewise, land payments can provide an additional source of revenue for local farmers. The project will also CREATE JOBS AND GENERATE SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY in the local community.
And not only do we all have an interest in ensuring that the energy we use is produced cleanly and affordably, but additional clean energy resources can help ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES TO WASHINGTON PARISH that are looking for access to renewable energy.
Quiet Neighbors: Similar to the Noise of a Babbling Brook
Solar farms are quiet neighbors. At the fence line, the sound from the onsite inverters is a minor hum – equivalent to the sound of a brook. Further offsite, no noise can be heard.
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No Negative Impact on Property Values
No Negative Impact on Property Values
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers supports the conclusion that solar in rural communities has no impact on property values.
“Most of the locations were in either suburban or rural areas, and all of these studies found either a neutral impact or, ironically, a positive impact, where values on properties after the installation of solar farms went up higher than time trends.”
-DONALD FISHER, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF FARM MANAGERS AND RURAL APPRAISERS
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Guaranteed Reclamation to Restore Property to Natural State
There is a decommissioning plan in place to return the property to its natural state at the end of the project’s useful life. The plan is guaranteed by a performance bond.
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Minimal Land Impact
Solar energy systems offer a stable, long-term land use that causes minimal disruption once installed. They require little maintenance, produce no emissions and can often coexist with agriculture or be easily repurposed at the end of their lifespan.
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Respecting Neighbors' Land
Preservation of view sheds is an important part of the development process. Thick stands of mature timber are being left in place along many of the roads and parcel boundaries in order to provide ample visual buffers.
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Enhances and Protects the Natural Environment
While the facility is in operation, we plant ground cover to attract natural, local pollinators, which helps the surrounding environment and farms. Our facilities use nonchemical weed management where possible.
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Significant Local Funding for Schools, Police and Fire
Law Enforcement:
More than $120 thousand per year
Washington Parish
School Board:
More than $80 thousand per year
Washington Parish Government:
More than $300 thousand per year
Washington Parish
Fire District #7:
More than $250 thousand per year
Varnado Fire District #6:
More than $140 thousand per year
Spring Hill Fire District #8:
More than $70 thousand per year
Hospital Service District:
More than $80 thousand per year
Bogalusa School All Mills:
More than $290 thousand per year
Bogalusa School C/M:
More than $150 thousand per year
Benefits for the State of Louisiana
Partnering with Louisiana-based panel producers keeps jobs local and strengthens the state economy.
American-made solar panels reduce dependence on foreign producers and boost U.S. energy security.
Locally sourced solar panels will provide additional economic stimulus to Louisiana businesses.