45th Parallel Solar

Project Introduction

RWE Clean Energy is evaluating development of the 45th Parallel Solar Project in Otsego County, MI. The project is expected to have a nameplace capacity of 200 MWac. It is comprised of 2 parcels and totals approximately 1000+ acres.

The Project consists of the construction and operation of a photovoltaic (PV) electricity-generating facility and associated infrastructure. Solar energy is a clean and reliable energy source that does not produce carbon emissions or other pollutants.

The project will consist of solar panels, power conversion stations, and a substation.

45th Parallel Solar is estimated to enter commercial operations in 2027 and will be a valuable source of stable tax revenue for Otsego County and Hayes Township through-out its 35 year lifespan.

Status: In development

Site location

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Documents

Facts and Figures

00 megawatts-ac

Capacity

Over 00 acres

Size

More than $ 00 M

in property tax revenue to the community over the life of the project

Project Benefits

45th Parallel Solar will provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Otsego County and Hayes Township. The new source of public funding can reduce the tax burden on local residents and be used to support essential services including schools, roads, fire departments, commission on aging, and M-TEC

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Supporting Communities

Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, offering opportunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand demand for lodging, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the 12-18 months of construction. During operations, 5-6 permanent positions will be created to operate 45th Parallel Solar Farm, and the project will continue to source supplies from local businesses. There will be more than $15M in property tax revenue to Otsego County over the life of the project.

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Support Rural Economies

Stronger Electric Grid

Solar Energy has become one of the most affordable and reliable sources of electricity available today. Solar farms increase the resiliency of Michigan’s electric grid while protecting consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources.

Protecting the Environment and the Community

45th Parallel Solar will be designed to complement exisiting land uses, protect the soil, and avoid negative impacts to wildlife. Solar farms produce electricity without generating any pollution, resulting in cleaner air and water when compared to traditional power plants.

Comprehensive studies are required as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment. 45th Parallel Solar will be virtually silent outside the fence line, while setbacks and vegetative screening will minimize visual impacts.

45th Parallel Solar will use silicon-based PV panels, which are made of safe, well-tested materials commonly used in building and household products. The panels are fully sealed and extremely durable, preventing trace metals from escaping into the surrounding soil. PV solar panels are so safe that millions of families across the U.S. have put solar panels on their homes and literally sleep beneath them. RWE’s advanced remote operations center will monitor the panels 24/7, 365 days a year while the onsite operations team will be available to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency.

45th Parallel Solar has commissioned a vegetation management plan to ensure that the potential for soil erosion from construction and operations is mitigated. The plan also ensures the long-term stability of the soil. The plan provides for landscape screening at key areas along the project boundary using native vegetation.

At the end of 45th Parallel Solar’s useful life, equipment, foundations, and electrical collection systems will be removed and the land will be restored to its original condition. A decommissioning security is to be maintained with Otsego County to ensure the completion of this work.

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