What is solar energy used for?

Once converted into electricity, solar energy is used in homes and businesses just like any other form of electricity. 

 

What are some advantages of solar energy?

After the initial investment in solar-energy equipment, the costs are minimal since the sun provides free "fuel." These facilities are not affected by the supply and demand of fuel or subject to price volatility, and solar energy can help reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. Solar energy is also clean and renewable, which helps protect our environment.

 

How does solar energy work?


NEER Solar Animated GIF

1. As light hits the solar panels, the solar energy is converted into direct current (DC) electricity.

2. The direct current flows from the panels into power inverters and is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is suitable for use by homes and businesses.

3. The AC electricity from the power inverters is collected using cables and delivered to a central electrical substation, where it passes through a power transformer.

4. The electricity travels through transformers, and the voltage is boosted for delivery onto the transmission lines.

5. Clean, renewable, American-made solar electricity is delivered to homes and businesses.

 

How many solar facilities does your company have and where are they located?

Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy Resources is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and the sun. We currently have ownership interests in approximately 7,800 MW of operating solar projects (as of Dec. 31, 2024), representing universal-scale solar facilities in 31 states, as well as multiple small-scale (distributed generation) solar projects.

 

Are solar facilities good for the environment?

Solar energy emits no pollutants and the overall impact of solar on human health is overwhelmingly positive. To learn more, view our solar environment page.

 

What percentage of generation does solar energy represent in the NextEra Energy Resources' portfolio?

Solar energy represents about 13 percent of NextEra Energy Resources' generation.

 

What do you look for in a site when building a renewable energy project?

We look for a location with good wind or solar resources, landowners who are interested in hosting our equipment and proximity to transmission lines.

 

If I have land and want you to assess its suitability for a renewable energy project, how do I get you to come out to look at it?

We cannot guarantee that we will assess every parcel of land presented to us. However, you can contact us for more information.

 

How much land does a solar project require?

Typically, a project will require 5 to 8 acres of land for each megawatt of solar energy capacity.

 

Is there construction traffic?

Yes. During construction there will be additional traffic. Although the construction period is only a matter of months, it will require heavy equipment, including bulldozers, graders, trenching machines, concrete trucks, flatbed trucks and large cranes.

 

How long will it take to complete construction?

It depends on the size of the project. However, 12 to 18 months is a reasonable time frame to build most solar projects.

 

What is the Declaration Solar Project?

Located in the Towns of Romulus and Varick in Seneca County, N.Y., the Declaration Solar Project is a proposed solar photovoltaic generating facility that will generate up to 200-megawatts of electricity. Energy storage may also be incorporated into the project.

The towns possess the critical elements required for a strong solar and energy storage project, including a strong solar resource, existing road infrastructure, access to transmission infrastructure, and available land in an area well suited environmentally to host such a project.

The Declaration Solar Project is proposed by NextEra Energy, Inc., the world’s largest generator of energy from the wind and sun.

 

How much land will it take up?

The project would be expected to use approximately 2,250 acres.

 

What will happen to the white deer that currently reside on the property?

This project is unique for a variety of reasons, including the property’s white deer population. NextEra Energy Resources, the project’s developer, is the right partner to responsibly and respectfully design, build and operate the Declaration Solar Project. As part of its development process, NextEra Energy Resources conducts thorough wildlife studies to ensure each site complies with all local, state and federal environmental regulations. Protecting wildlife and sensitive natural resources is a priority for NextEra Energy Resources.

We have had extensive talks with the landowner, and we recognize how important the white deer population is to the local community and the region. We intend to design our project with that in mind and we are confident the solar project and the white deer population can share this land successfully.

 

When do you expect this project to begin generating power?

The project is planned to commence commercial operation in 2023/2024 and will be designed to operate for at least 30 years.

 

Where will the power go? Do you have a customer for this project?

Electricity is expected to be delivered into the wholesale market and delivered to customers in Upstate New York. Commercial discussions are on-going.

 

How many panels will be used?

As solar technology is rapidly advancing, it is not possible at this time to determine the exact module type or count that will be used for a project with a commercial operation date in 2023/2024.

 

Where will the interconnection be?

Interconnection options are currently being evaluated and will be presented in the project’s permitting documents.

 

Will people be able to see this facility?

The majority of the project is not anticipated to be visible from the nearby roadside due to significant visual setbacks from the road and the use of vegetation that will form a visual screen.

Additionally, NextEra Energy is aware of differences in elevation that may make the project visible from long distances. As part of the state’s permitting process, we will conduct a viewshed assessment and line-of-sight analysis.


How will the local community benefit from this project?

The Declaration Solar Project has the potential to deliver new jobs, long-term revenue, and economic development to Seneca County and the towns of Romulus and Varick.


What specific benefits will the project bring?

The project is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region through a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, which will provide revenue to the county, towns and schools to invest in infrastructure, additional services and resources for residents.

The project will create three to four full-time positions and 200+ jobs during construction. There will be opportunities for local businesses to supply materials to support construction of the project, and service industry businesses such as hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues will benefit from an increase in worker activity throughout construction.

The Declaration Solar Project’s goal is to hire as many workers as possible from the local area. The project will invest a significant amount of money in construction labor, creating employment opportunities for those in the construction trades, including equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers and electricians.


Why Romulus and Varick?

The towns of Romulus and Varick possess the critical elements required for a strong solar and energy storage project, including a strong solar resource, existing road infrastructure and available land in an area well-suited environmentally to host such a project.