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1. What is a solar farm?

A solar farm, also known as as utility scale solar is defined in Linn County as a group of interconnected solar panels/arrays that convert sunlight into electricity for the primary purpose of wholesale or retail sales of generated electricity. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) most US  utility-scale solar power plants produce between 1-5 megawatts of solar power. However some can generate 50 megawatts or greater. The US currently has more than 2,500 utility- scale solar electricity generating facilities.  

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), “the primary defining characteristic of utility-scale solar projects are that they sell the power they generate directly into the electric grid. What distinguishes utility-scale solar from consumer-scale solar is both project size and the fact that electricity is sold to wholesale utility buyers, not end use consumers.”

2. How does Linn County permit solar farms?

A utility-scale solar project requires an application to rezone the area to be used for the solar installation to (RE) Renewable Energy Overlay Zoning District. The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission shall hear the rezoning request and will forward a recommendation of approval or denial to the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors will hold three public hearings for the rezoning request before making their final decision.  For more information on the permitting, visit our solar farm webpage.  Meeting dates can be found on the Zoning Calendar.

3. What is considered for approval of a solar farm?

Requests to rezone property to an RE (Renewable Energy) overlay zoning district must meet all current rezoning standards for review in Article IV, Section 107-69 of the Unified Development Code, with some exceptions as noted below. These standards for review are evaluated by Linn County Planning & Development staff in a report that is generated prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The applicable rezoning standards for review are:

1. The proposed development is not detrimental to existing agricultural uses; 
2. The proposed development will not degrade significant environmental, ecological or natural resources;
3. The proposed development achieves densities and uses in agricultural areas, critical natural resource areas, rural residential development areas and urban service areas as designated in the comprehensive plan; and
4. The proposed development is consistent with the goals, objectives and strategies of the comprehensive plan.

4. What is required for solar farm?

Linn County will require any solar developer to meet specific requirements and submit documents detailing and minimizing any impacts associated with the project.  Specific requirements for solar projects include:

1. Glare minimization.  All panels must be constructed to minimize glare or reflection onto adjacent properties.
2. Screening.  A landscape buffer may be required if deemed necessary by the Board of Supervisors.
3. Fencing.  A security fence must be installed along all exterior sides of the solar project.
4. Setbacks.  All structures (including solar arrays) must meet the minimum principal setback for the zoning district the project is located in.

Documents required of the solar developer by Linn County include:

1. Road condition survey.  The applicant will be required to conduct a preconstruction survey detailing the condition of the roads which will be used during the course of the project.  The applicant will be responsible for on-going road maintenance and dust control measures during construction.  Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for repair of any damage to public drainage systems.
2. Operation and maintenance plan.  The applicant will be required to submit a plan for the operation and maintenance of the solar installation, which shall include measures for maintaining safe access to the installation, storm water and erosion controls, as well as general procedures for operation and maintenance of the installation.
3. Decommissioning and site reclamation plan.  The applicant will be required to submit a plan detailing how the solar arrays will be removed and recycled, as well as how they will restore the site to pre-project conditions.

5. What happens when the solar project is complete?

Most utility scale solar projects last for 25-30 years, which is the average lifespan of a solar panel.  At the end of a utility scale solar project in Linn County, the applicant will required to follow their approved decommissioning plan. All decommissioning plans must include details on:

1. Recycling solar components.
2. Restoring the surface grade a soil profile of the site to pre-construction condition.
3. Removal of all structures including graveled areas and access roads.
4. Re-vegetation of restored soil areas with crops, native seed mixes, native tree species, and plant species suitable to the area.
5. A method for ensuring funds will be available for decommissioning activities.

The decommissioning plan will take effect at the end of the project or following a continuous one-year period with no electricity generation.  The project owner will have one year to complete all decommissioning activities.

6. What is consumer-scale solar?

Consumer-scale solar is defined in Linn County as a solar panel or array mounted on a building, pole or rack that is accessory to the primary use of the parcel on which it is located and which is directly connected to or designed to serve the energy needs of the primary use. When electricity is produced at or near the point where it is used it can be referred to as Distributed Generation. Distributed solar energy is typically located on rooftops or ground-mounted, and usually connected to the local utility grid.