Frequently Asked Questions

Photovoltaic Panels directly produce electricity from sunlight via an electronic process that occurs naturally in certain types of material, called semiconductors. Electrons in these materials are freed by solar energy and can be induced to flow through an electrical circuit, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid. PV panels can be used to power anything from small electronics such as calculators and road signs to homes and large commercial businesses.

Solar facilities constructed today have a lifetime of approximately 35 years. Most manufactures warranty their panels for 25 years or longer, although solar panels will continue to produce energy past their warranties. Additionally, as technology is constantly evolving, some solar facilities may choose to remove aging solar panels and install new and improved panels or alternative technologies once the panels reach the end of their useful life. 

Solar panels do not produce noise, however the inverters do produce a slight hum that is not audible past a certain distance. Therefore, by siting solar facilities away from sensitive receptors such as schools and residences, this noise is mitigated. Additionally, noise can be further mitigated by installing vegetation by dampening the sound waves. Solar projects are considered quiet neighbors. 

Todays panels are dark in color and are treated with an anti-reflective coating. The goal of this design is to absorb as much sunlight as possible in order to increase efficiency and produce the maximum amount of electricity. This design reduces total reflectivity of the panels. Solar panels are generally less reflective than windows, for example, and have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for installation on and around airports across the country. Supplemental visual and glar mitigation can include planting vegetation buffers around the facility, which further reduce any perceptible glare to receptors near the ground, such as vehicles or pedestrians. 

Solar farms do not pose a threat to wildlife when properly designed. Prior to any development, wildlife and habitat studies are conducted across the proposed site to inform design and minimize or avoid impacts to sensitive species or habitat on-site or nearby. Solar facilities can be designed to allow for the passage of wildlife through open corridors or wildlife-friendly fencing. Solar projects can also provide important habitat for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, but are most productive when in direct sunlight. Solar panels will work when light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds and occasional rain supports panel efficiency by washing away any dust or particulate matter that has settled on the panels. 

When the solar facility is no longer efficient, the system will be decommissioned and the equipment will be removed from the site. This includes removing all equipment, foundations, fences, and roadways. Once the equipment is removed the site is restored to the pre-project conditions by re-seeding and allowing the land to return to its former use. The majority of solar equipment typically holds a large salvage value, since the majority of the facility is made of steel. Additionally, equipment such as panels, wiring, and inverters can be recycled. The state of Washington requires all panels sold into the state to be recycled by a certified vendor, a ruling which is implemented by the Department of Ecology. 

The power produced from a solar facility is injected directly into the electric grid at the project’s “Point of Interconnection”. This injection can be into a distribution line (low voltage) or transmission line (high voltage), which takes power from power generators (i.e. solar facility) to the utility grid that serves residential or commercial customers.

After the construction of a solar facility, the change in use provides the local county or city with a new, higher tax revenue source. Additionally, solar projects utilize minimal public infrastructure (water, sewer, police, etc.) relative to commercial or residential development, so the cost to the community is minimal. Utility-scale solar projects create local construction jobs and often increase business for local services such as hotels and restaurants. Projects also create a number of long term jobs for vegetation management and maintenance of the facility's equipment.

The facility will also typically trigger required upgrades to the local electricity grid in order to connect the project to the grid. This directly impacts the local community by increasing local grid reliability, and providing a local source of energy generation which will flow to the nearest energy users.