Minimizing Impact
VISUAL IMPACTS | WATER USE | SOLAR & AGRICULTURE | CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS | OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
Avantus, formerly 8minute, was founded in California in 2009, and it is important to our team that we do right by our home state. That’s why we design and develop our projects with a “smart from the start” strategy to minimize potential impacts to local resources and wildlife.
Visual Impacts
Sienna Solar Center’s project footprint has been thoughtfully designed to minimize the visibility of the project from nearby communities and highways.
Please see the aerial site map and the below simulations for a better sense of Sienna’s location and visual impact.
Photo Simulations
The photo simulations show what the Sienna Solar Center would look like from various points in the area. The side-by-side images represent before and after views of the project location. The differences are subtle given the large distance to the project site and the low profile of the panels.
The solar facility is almost unnoticeable when viewed from the roadway and would likely not be seen by motorists traveling on SR 247.
The proposed project would bring a a new transmission line with tubular steel poles, but the proposed infrastructure is consistent with the existing high-voltage transmission infrastructure and the mountains to the north remain the most prominent visual feature.
The solar array is seen here as an indistinct horizontal line in the middleground of the view. The existing high voltage transmission tower and wooden distribution lines remain the most visible man-made structure.
Water Use
Like all our solar projects, Sienna Solar Center will require minimal water use – less than agricultural operations, which the majority of the site is currently zoned for. During the construction process, water is primarily used for dust suppression. Once operational, the plant may require infrequent cleanings with water to remove dirt and dust from the panels.
Solar and Agriculture
Avantus is committed to being a good neighbor to farms and agriculture near Sienna Solar Center. We do not anticipate any significant impacts to nearby agricultural operations and have a proven track record of operating seamlessly in agricultural regions like Kern County and Imperial County. As our past projects have illustrated, solar and agriculture can not only exist as neighbors, but thrive.
Construction Impacts
During construction, we expect our crew will generate some noise and add cars/trucks to certain roads, and we will aim to minimize those potential impacts. As always, we aim to be respectful of our neighbors and aim to keep construction noise to a minimum. All site activity will be subject to and comply with San Bernardino County noise ordinances.
Dust control methods, including applying water to active roadways, will be used throughout the construction period to minimize airborne dust and the potential impacts on construction workers and the surrounding community.
Operational Impacts
Upon completion, Sienna Solar Center will not create any significant additional local traffic. Any noise generated by the project is expected to be minimal and should not be heard by neighboring residents. The low hum from inverters and/or low-speed rotating solar trackers is audible only from very close range.
Solar panels also typically act as a wind breaker, reducing wind speeds throughout the site and thereby minimizing airborne dust. Because we are in the business of capturing sunlight, we are incentivized to make sure our panels are free from excessive dust.
The site will also feature 24/7 security and monitoring to ensure the safety of the site and equipment. The project may also include additional security measures, including warning reflective signage, controlled access points, security camera systems, and/or security guard vehicle patrols to deter trespassing and unauthorized activities.