white wing ranch solar
Yuma County, Arizona
Project Overview
White Wing Ranch Solar, LLC (“White Wing Ranch”) is constructing a 179-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility in Yuma County, AZ. The facility is located on approximately 1,400 acres of privately-owned land near the towns of Dateland and Hyder, AZ. The project received a Special Use Permit (SUP) from Yuma County and a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
White Wing Ranch Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for Yuma County and local schools, and generate emission-free renewable energy with minimal impact to the land and surrounding community.
Project location
Timeline
Community Involvement
As a dedicated member of the community, White Wing Ranch Solar will work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our involvement will go well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders and property owners. Throughout the life of every project we are involved with we pride ourselves on being fully transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback.
About Us
White Wing Ranch Solar, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 26 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 2,700 megawatts of generating capacity and is actively developing and contracting a robust pipeline of new renewable energy projects. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C$124.2 billion in net assets (as at December 31, 2022). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety. Recent community partnerships Leeward has engaged in include sponsorship and donations to the annual Cops Shop with Kids event in Ohio, support for school lunch programs in North Carolina and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Texas.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
White Wing Ranch Solar Fact Sheet Download Here
Solar frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the solar facility look like?
The White Wing Ranch Solar facility will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the project site will be fenced for security and safety.
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as White Wing Ranch is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks and professional landscaping will also be used to mitigate visual impact.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The White Wing Ranch solar panels are manufactured with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.
Is this project safe for the community and environment?
Yes. Solar power generation produces no air pollution or greenhouse gases and has a positive, indirect effect by reducing the use of other energy sources. When it’s operational, White Wing Ranch can produce enough energy to power approximately 35,000 average Arizona homes without contributing carbon emissions. The solar panel materials are enclosed, and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air, meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions, and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
White Wing Ranch Solar will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the Project’s life?
At the end of the life of the Project, White Wing Ranch will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, White Wing Ranch submits a decommissioning plan to ensure that ample consideration and protections will be provided.
How will development of the solar facility affect my community?
Construction brings new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Yuma County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to local tax authority and provide clean energy in Arizona.
How long will the solar facility be operational?
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
complaint resolution
If you have a question, concern or complaint about any aspect of the White Wing Ranch Solar facility, you can call the project phone line @ 928-298-2028 or complete the form below. If you choose to register your concern by phone, please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form.
