Question 1

What are the benefits the project will bring to Hardy County?

Accepted Answer

The project will infuse approximately $7.3 million into Hardy County during its first 20 years, providing funds to the county and schools.

Old Fields Solar also will generate local economic opportunities by creating short-term (construction) and long-term (maintenance and operational) jobs, as well as positive ripple effects in other jobs and businesses supported through spending and purchases by project workers at local businesses, shops, restaurants and hotels.

MN8 believes it is important to be a valuable member of the community that extends beyond the financial assets. As the project moves forward, the team will work closely to identify opportunities to become involved in, such as with education and community-based organizations.

Question 2

Where will the power generated from the project go?

Accepted Answer

The power from Old Fields Solar will be fed into the transmission line that provides electricity directly to the substation located in Moorefield, powering the surrounding area. There are no large-scale generators operational in Hardy County today, requiring that it import power from neighboring counties, including over the transmission line that this project will now be interconnecting to. The energy from this project will be a vital source of local energy, helping to meet both the electricity needs of Hardy County and supporting the broader electricity needs of the regional grid.

Question 3

How much land is needed for developing a solar project?

Accepted Answer

To properly site a solar project, we need approximately 5 to 7 acres of leased land for every 1 megawatt (MW) of power produced.

Question 4

How much land is needed for a project of this size?

Accepted Answer

Old Fields Solar is expected to utilize roughly 1,000 acres of privately-owned, leased property from landowners that reside in the Old Fields Area and/or Hardy County. Those acres will be fenced in with wildlife-friendly fencing and will incorporate a vegetative buffer to minimize the visual impact to neighboring properties.

Question 5

Why develop solar in the Old Fields Solar region?

Accepted Answer

The site selected for the Old Fields Solar Project is in close proximity to a Potomac Edison 138 kV transmission line, which will transport power to the nearest source of demand. The site is also relatively flat with good solar production, allowing for solar to be an advantageous source of power to incorporate into the local transmission grid.

Question 6

What is the projected timeline for this project?

Accepted Answer

Old Fields Solar anticipates submitting an application with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia in mid 2026. The permitting process takes approximately one-year to complete, so we anticipate receiving a decision by the PSC mid 2027. Pending final site plans, construction may begin in mid 2028 with commercial operations to begin in late 2029 or 2030.

Question 7

How long will construction take?

Accepted Answer

Construction will take approximately 12-18 months from start to commercial operations.

Question 8

What hours of the day and week will construction occur?

Accepted Answer

Typical construction occurs between 7am – 7pm throughout the typical work week.

Question 9

What are the construction traffic management practices used during the project?

Accepted Answer

Safety is paramount. MN8 recognizes construction projects add traffic to roads and highways. The project will follow all state, local and federal laws and regulations related to transportation. Additionally, the team will meet with local officials, such as the county sheriff’s office and the board of education, to understand traffic patterns, as well as bus routes and schedules, in order to approach construction in a fashion that mitigates impacts.

Question 10

What are the protections the project will provide for the wildlife and the environment?

Accepted Answer

MN8 is committed to environmental and wildlife protection in the project area.

Environmental experts have been conducting site-specific studies to understand and to ensure the protection of both wildlife and the environment. This work includes performing wetland and stream studies, avian surveys, cultural and archaeological surveys, and environmental site assessments. The results of this data are used in engineering design to avoid and minimize impacts to such resources.

The project will comply with applicable state and federal wildlife regulations, including requirements of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection have oversight for water resource permits and approvals prior to the start of construction. For cultural and archaeological protections, the project is consulting with the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and will initiate practices deemed appropriate for the project.

The project design will incorporate agricultural fencing, which will allow smaller animals, such as rabbits and reptiles to move freely through the project footprint. In addition, the project will be comprised of a number of different segments, all of which will have 150-foot setbacks, creating corridors over which larger wildlife can safely navigate through and around the project footprint.

Question 11

Will the project hire local workers?

Accepted Answer

Although there will be a need to use experienced regional and national contractors during the multi-phased project, the company does prefer to hire locally as much as possible. Employees who reside in the area will be more inclined to stay in the community long term. This provides added benefit to both the community and the project. To this end, the project will advertise for positions locally when hiring begins.

Question 12

What are the phases of this project and what job skills are needed in each phase?

Accepted Answer

Phase 1 - Development 
This phase is currently underway. The team is conducting numerous site-specific surveys, including geotechnical surveys, boundary surveys, and numerous environmental and engineering studies to further the project’s development. Much of this work is being done by regional civil engineering and environmental firms. The project is also working with a wide array of local and state entities to prepare for construction, working towards necessary permits and approvals.

Phase 2 - Construction
Once this phase begins, an engineering procurement contractor will hire local and regional skilled contractors to staff positions based on need and availability through construction. This work involves a variety of different stages, including site preparations, pre-planting of vegetation, installing solar components, and final site landscaping and cleanup.

Phase 3 - Operation
These positions will require skills in electrical, electronics and computers, as well as land maintenance, to ensure the project and the property are well maintained. The project will also seek to work with local farmers on agricultural elements of this dual-use project, including but not limited to sheep grazing.

Question 13

What happens when it is cloudy outside?

Accepted Answer

Even on a cloudy day, solar panels produce between 10% and 25% of their typical output. Advanced tracking systems also enable solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day and maximize the amount of electricity generated.

Question 14

How do I apply for a job?

Accepted Answer

As the project moves closer to the construction phase, MN8 will promote the job application process through multiple methods, including the project website and Facebook page, as well as local information sources. Once the project is ready to accept applications, the information will be provided on how and where to apply through these channels.

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