Aviation Energy Center benefits
STRONGER WITH SOLAR
Aviation Energy Center will provide a new source of affordable electricity to the grid while providing significant investment to the local community. Aviation Energy Center will provide a long-term partnership and direct benefits to all Greene & Clark County residents.
OHIO'S PILOT PROGRAM
Ohio’s PILOT program ensures a win-win scenario for solar developers and communities that host solar projects. If Greene & Clark Counties enter into a PILOT agreement with Aviation Energy Center, the PILOT statute requires that solar projects pay fixed taxes of $7,000 per MW per year to Greene & Clark County, plus an additional service payment to the County’s general fund of up to $2,000 per MW per year. These annual payments continue throughout the project’s lifespan, which is estimated to be 40 years.
JOB CREATION
Aviation Energy Center will create hundreds of jobs during construction, as well as opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Once operational, the site also supports additional local jobs, stimulating the local economy.
LOCAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS
In addition to driving local economic activity during the construction phase, Aviation Energy Center will contribute to the local and regional economies through wages paid to operations and maintenance staff as well as through lease payments to landowners over its 40-year operational life.
FUNDING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Aviation Energy Center will pay millions in taxes for the life of the project while requiring virtually no municipal services. This stable and reliable revenue is allocated to local governments and school districts in the same way personal property tax is allocated.
FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
If a PILOT agreement is executed with Greene & Clark County, local school districts could be one of the largest recipients of the revenue generated from Aviation Energy Center. PILOT funds are allocated to local governments and school districts in the same way personal property tax is allocated. This revenue would be a reliable, annual source of funding that would significantly benefit Greene & Clark County students and faculty.
LAND USE BENEFITS
Solar projects preserve the agricultural character of the community and protect against permanent residential or commercial developments. They provide an opportunity for landowners to maintain their family land for future generations. Revenue from solar projects is predictable, reliable, drought-resistant, and not subject to swings in commodity prices, making it a great choice for many family farms. Once the solar project reaches the end of its useful life, the land will be thoughtfully restored and ready for farming, ensuring there are no lasting impacts on its agricultural potential.
PRESERVING WATER & ENVIRONMENT
Solar energy projects contribute to a cleaner environment for all because they don’t create any air pollution and conserve water while preserving water quality. Unlike many power production methods, solar energy projects use negligible amounts of water, with the majority of locations relying on natural precipitation to clean panels. The infrastructure of solar projects, including underground cabling and support poles, is installed at depths that don't affect groundwater quality, leaving minimal impact on the environment. The vegetation surrounding solar can enhance local water quality by mitigating erosion and enhancing soil moisture retention.
SAFEGUARDING WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY
Wildlife protection and biodiversity are a priority in Vesper’s solar project siting process. After a suitable location is found with existing, suitable land use and transmission access, environmental assessments are conducted to identify any sensitive regions, which further guides the design of the proposed project. Solar facilities are designed to be low-impact and they maintain vegetative cover between panels, ensuring healthy soil, optimal water retention, and minimized erosion. Moreover, solar projects often incorporate pollinator-friendly plants in areas where this can have a positive impact on neighboring harvest yields and overall ecosystem health. We are committed to using native plants, pollinators and are open to other agrivoltaic methods to ensure this project fits in well with the surrounding area and upholds the county's vision.
DECOMMISSIONING
Prior to construction, Vesper Energy works with participating landowners and relevant authorities to plan for the proper removal of equipment at the end of the project’s life. Decommissioning plans will be established to safeguard taxpayers from any monetary obligation for decommissioning. Once the equipment is removed, the land can be returned to agricultural use.
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