Solway Solar

On October 11, 2024, we filed an application for a Site Permit with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). We expect the project to follow this approximate permitting timeframe:

• Q1 2025: MPUC will host a public information and scoping meeting.
• Q1-Q2 2025: Minnesota Department of Commerce will prepare the environmental assessment.
• Q3 2025: The MPUC will host a public hearing.
• Q4 2025: The MPUC will make its final decision on the Site Permit application.

Citizens, landowners, and interested persons can receive project information in two ways: 

1. Sign up for the Project Mailing List: To sign up for notices about Project milestones and opportunities to participate (meetings, comment periods, etc.), email [email protected] or call 651-201-2246 with the docket number (E017/GS-24-309), your name, mailing address and email address. You may request to receive notices by email or U.S. Mail.
2. Subscribe to the Docket: To receive email notifications when new documents are filed in the dockets, visit https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling, select Subscribe to eDockets, and follow the prompts to subscribe to docket number E017/GS-24-309. 

On September 10, 2024, we held a public open house to share details about Solway Solar and answer questions about the project.

Meeting boards
Fact sheet

Q. Why is Otter Tail Power adding more solar to its energy generation mix?
A. Adding more solar to our energy generation mix provides customers access to low-cost, renewable energy. Solway Solar also helps us meet Minnesota’s Carbon Free Standard and offset high-cost energy generation during peak energy-use periods.  

Q: Why is Otter Tail Power building this project here? 
A: We selected this location because it offers an opportunity to add solar generation where we already have transmission interconnection, which helps keep costs as low as possible. 

Q: Will Solway Solar bring tax benefits to the area?
A: Yes. Solar projects are subject to a production tax in lieu of property tax in Minnesota. We expect Solway Solar to provide more than $120,000 annually in local tax benefits. Over the life of the site (estimated at 35 years), that adds up to $4.2 million. About 80% of that tax benefit will go to Beltrami County, and the remaining 20% will go to Lammers Township.

Q: What is the basis for the 50-megawatt project size?
A: We’ll use the transmission interconnection point at our Solway Combustion Turbine, which is limited to 50 megawatts.

Q. Will Solway Solar create new jobs?
A. During peak construction, we expect to create approximately 70 jobs. Once generating electricity, we expect that up to two employees from Otter Tail Power will manage operations and maintenance.

Q: Does Otter Tail Power own all the project land?
A: Yes.

Q: How close will the solar panels be to the road?
A: Panels will be set back from road edges by at least 70 feet (50 feet from the edge of the 20-foot road right of way). In some instances, we may install project fence slightly closer than 70 feet.

Q: What maintenance will Solway Solar require once complete?
A: We anticipate minimal maintenance, which includes mowing and replacing batteries/motors as needed.

Q: How large are the solar panels?
A: We’re still finalizing project specifications but expect the module size to be approximately eight feet tall by four feet wide. Panels are mounted on a solar tracker system and may reach a height of about ten feet above ground.

Q: Do the solar panels rotate with the sun?
A: Yes. We’ve designed Solway Solar’s arrays in a north-to-south orientation and the panels will rotate from east to west to continuously face the sun. The anti-reflection, bifacial panels generate electricity from both sides of the panel, maximizing both the kilowatt-hour output and capacity during morning and evening peak energy demand.

Q: What’s the expected life of the solar panels and related equipment?
A: With appropriate maintenance and upkeep, we expect the panels and equipment to last approximately 35 years.

Q: What happens to the solar panels after they’re retired? 
A: Solar panels that have reached their life expectancy, or that have been damaged beyond repair, will be removed and properly disposed of or recycled to the extent practicable.

We plan to have a decommissioning study performed during the site permitting process.

Q: Will Otter Tail Power plant pollinator-friendly and other native plants?
A: Yes. As we continue working on project specifications, we plan to minimize impact to the environment and enhance habitat by planting pollinator-friendly and native vegetation for wildlife cover, food, and nesting areas.

Q: What kind of fence will surround the solar facility?
A: We’ll use fencing materials and revegetation, where practical, that blend in with area aesthetics to help reduce visual impact. This likely will be an eight-foot agricultural woven wire fence surrounding the array areas to secure the site for public safety.

We’ll clear some of the trees within the project site but are leaving existing areas of trees along the perimeter to create natural screening. The main view of the project will be along both sides of Centerline Road just north of our Solway Combustion Turbine.

Q: Do solar farms interfere with cable/satellite TV or cell service?
A: We’re not expecting electrical interference impact on cable, satellite, or cell service.

Q: What’s the noise level of an operating solar farm?
A: The tracking system rotation is so quiet that you’d need to be standing right next to it to hear any sound.

The main sources of sound are the inverter stations. At approximately 50 feet away, the inverter sound level is about 67 A-weighted decibels (dBA): louder than a normal conversation setting (60 dBA) and less than a household washing machine (70 dBA). The inverter stations will be at least 100 feet from the boundary of the project site and even further from the nearest residence.

Q: Are there any wetlands in the area? 
A: Yes. We plan to construct Solway Solar in adherence with county and township ordinances as well as state and federal wetland regulations. We’ll design the project to have minimal impacts to wetlands, which are primarily in the northwest corner of the project site.

Q: Will there be any fire concerns? 
A: Solar photovoltaic projects have an inherent fire safety hazard due to their energized low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment. We’ve developed a conceptual project design and set of project specifications that seek to meet local fire codes and local fire department requirements, including properly sized gated access points to the site and internal road turnarounds for fire department vehicles.

We plan to develop and maintain site safety and emergency preparedness procedures to direct emergency first responders on how to keep personnel safe and properly respond if a hazardous event or fire occurs. We’ll communicate these plans to local law enforcement and fire departments.

Q: What is the purpose of the fence?
A: A fence surrounding the site is for public safety and to protect from unauthorized access. During operation, the site will contain electrically energized equipment that can be dangerous to the public.