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ARB201700096 Plan - Other (not approved) 2017-12-19 (2)
new cc� Special Use Permit Application Rivanna Solar Farm Albemarle County, VA November 20, 2017 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 11 Special Use Permit Application Table of Contents 1. Hearing Request................................................................................................................. 5 2. Signed Pre -Application Meeting Checklist........................................................................... 6 3. County Permit Application................................................................................................... 8 4. Project Narrative................................................................................................................11 4.1. General Description....................................................................................................................11 4.2. Harmony with RA District............................................................................................................12 4.3. Suitability in Accord with Comprehensive Plan..........................................................................12 4.4. County Benefits...........................................................................................................................14 4.4.1. Increase Revenue for Landowner.......................................................................................14 4.4.2. Economic Surge for Businesses and Workers.....................................................................14 4.4.3. Increased County Revenues................................................................................................14 4.4.4. Educational Opportunity.....................................................................................................14 4.4.5. Clean Energy........................................................................................................................15 4.5. Non -Detriment to Adjacent Lots.................................................................................................15 4.6. Viewshed Analysis.......................................................................................................................15 4.7. Impacts on Public Facilities and Infrastructure...........................................................................16 4.8. Impacts on Environmental Features...........................................................................................16 4.9. Access and Parking......................................................................................................................17 4.10. Other Technical Specifications................................................................................................18 4.10.1. Panel Layout........................................................................................................................18 4.10.2. Inverter Pads.......................................................................................................................18 4.10.3. Equipment Yard...................................................................................................................18 4.11. Other Frequently -Raised Issues..............................................................................................19 4.11.1. Batteries..............................................................................................................................19 4.11.2. Cleaning Chemicals.............................................................................................................19 4.11.3. Fire Hazards.........................................................................................................................19 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 12 Special Use Permit Application 5. Statement of Proffers.........................................................................................................20 5.1. Setbacks...................................................................................................................................... 20 5.2. Fencing and Lighting...................................................................................................................20 5.3. Buffers.........................................................................................................................................20 5.3.1. Planted Screening...............................................................................................................21 5.3.2. Entrance Corridor Frontage................................................................................................ 21 5.3.3. Behind Properties Between Entrance Corridor and Rivanna..............................................22 5.4. Vegetation Within the Development Envelopes........................................................................23 5.5. Decommissioning........................................................................................................................24 5.5.1. Decommissioning after Ceasing Operation........................................................................24 5.5.2. Site Rehabilitation/Restoration..........................................................................................25 5.5.3. Costs....................................................................................................................................26 6. Conceptual Plan.................................................................................................................27 7. Appendices........................................................................................................................29 7.1. General Property Info.................................................................................................................29 7.1.1. Plat Drawing........................................................................................................................29 7.1.2. Regional Map......................................................................................................................30 7.1.3. Permission Letter from Landowner....................................................................................31 7.1.4. Vegetation Preservation Easement....................................................................................32 7.2. Existing Site Conditions...............................................................................................................34 7.2.1. Site Photos.......................................................................................................................... 34 7.2.2. Entrance Corridor Adjacent Properties...............................................................................40 7.2.3. Route 53 Elevation Profiles.................................................................................................41 7.3. Viewshed Analysis.......................................................................................................................43 7.3.1. Viewshed Visibility Map......................................................................................................43 7.3.2. Photos from Specific Sites...................................................................................................44 7.3.3. Drone Viewshed Photos......................................................................................................57 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 13 Special Use Permit Application 7.3.4. Viewshed Elevation Profiles................................................................................................61 7.4. Photo Simulations from Highway 53..........................................................................................63 7.5. Preliminary Site Layout...............................................................................................................67 7.6. Glare Analysis..............................................................................................................................68 7.7. Department of Environmental Quality, Permit by Rule Process................................................80 7.8. Technical Specifications..............................................................................................................81 7.8.1. Example System Spec Sheet................................................................................................81 7.9.....................................................................................................................................................82 7.9.1. Typical Inverter Pad............................................................................................................83 7.9.2. Inverter Spec Sheet.............................................................................................................85 7.9.3. Inverter Sound Level...........................................................................................................86 7.9.4. Example Equipment Yard....................................................................................................87 7.9.5. Hanwha Panel Spec Sheet...................................................................................................88 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 14 Special Use Permit Application 1. Hearing Request November 20, 2017 Ms. Amelia McCulley Albemarle County Planning Department 401 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Phone: 434-296-3229 Email: amcculle@albemarle.org Re: Board of Supervisors Hearing Request for a Special Use Permit for the Rivanna Solar Generation Facility in Albemarle County, VA Dear Ms. McCulley, We respectfully request that the Planning Commission hear our application for a Special Use Permit for Rivanna Solar Generation Facility (Rivanna Solar Project) and concurrently undertake a Suitability in Accord review (Section 15.2 2232 of the Virginia State Code) to determine whether this solar electricity facility is substantially in accord with the County's adopted Comprehensive Plan. We have submitted this permit application in accordance with Section 18.33 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. In our opinion, the contents herein are complete and consistent with the requirements the county's ordinances. Section 4.3: Suitability in Accord with Comprehensive Plan describes the projects location and character in the context of your Comprehensive Plan. If the Department has questions or requires additional information regarding this project, please contact me at (703) 672-5637 or SMaughan@Solunesco.com. Sincerely yours, q4vo-4- Seth Maughan Director of Projects SolUnesco, LLC SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 15 Special Use Permit Application 2. Signed Pre -Application Meeting Checklist SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST for Solar Energy Facility (SolUnesco) �' } 1 ly TMP 94-17Ai =" f Project Name / Tax Map Parcel Number After the mandatory pre -application meeting, county staff will mark this checklist appropriately so PLANNER INITIALS that it is clear to the applicant the information from Section 33.4 (c) that must be submitted with smc the official application Required for Provided with application? application SECTION 33.4(c) (County Staff) (Applicant) X X NOTE to staff: if providing additional comments are provided within the checklist boxes, please distinguish those comments with different color print AND italic/underlined print or some other method that can be distinguished when copied with a black and white YES NO copier/printer. X X A narrative of the project proposal, including its public need or benefit; X A narrative of the proposed project's consistency with the comprehensive plan, X including the land use plan and the master plan for the applicable development area; X A narrative of the proposed project's impacts on public facilities and public X infrastructure. x X A narrative of the proposed project's impacts on environmental features. x X A narrative of the proffers proposed to address impacts from the proposed project. x One or more maps showing the proposed project's regional context and existing natural X and manmade physical conditions; X X A conceptual plan showing, as applicable: X X 1) the street net ^rk entrance, internal roads, and parking areas X 2) typical cross -sections to show proportions, scale and streetscape/cross- sections/circulation; X 3) the general location of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; X X 4) building envelopes for locations of the solar arrays; X NA 5) parking sites; X 6) public spaces and amenities; SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST 04/2013 Page 1 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 16 Special Use Permit Application X X 7) areas to be designated as conservation and/or preservation areas; X NA 8) conceptual stormwater detention facility locations; X NA 9) conceptual grading; 1 Other special studies or documentation, if applicable, and any other information x identified as necessary by the county on the pre -application comment form. • To be shown on the conceptual plan: o Location of critical slopes (we recommend that the project area avoid critical slopes) o Topography o Stream buffers (based on county Water Protection Ordinance) o Existing and resulting tree lines o Conceptual grading and ground disturbance o Vegetated buffers to limit views, especially from Route 53 entrance corridor (should mimic native hardwood vegetation rather than typical suburban -style evergreen buffering) ;> Fence locations (and note about design/type; chain link should not be used along Route 53) Setbacks (we recommend applying the normal 75-foot front setback for RA -zoned properties to all solar -panel areas, even if they abut other parcels rather than roads) Planting areas (where frequent access is not needed) that could be used for native -grassland plantings Location and character of connections to existing substation • To be included with the application: c Photo -simulation of the views of the facility, including views from various points along Route 53 and from other nearby points, including Monticello if possible o GIS viewshed analysis of the facility Glare analysis Decommissioning plan (and description of what is involved) Please note: There are additional submittal requirements outlined on the official application for a Special Use Permit. Read and Sign I hereby state that, to the best of my knowledge, the official application submitted contains all information marked on this checklist as required for application. August 21, 2017 Signature of person completing this checklist Date Seth Maughan Print Name 703 672-5637 Daytime phone number of Signatory SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST 04/2013 Page 2 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 17 Special Use Permit Application 3. County Permit Application FOR OFFICE USE ONLY SP # SIGN # Fee Amount Date Paid Bywho? Receipt# Ck# By: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION Application for Special Use Permit IMPORTANT: Your application will be considered INCOMPLETE until all of the required attachments listed on page 2 have been submitted. Also, please see the list on page 3 for the appropriate fee(s) related to your application. Staff will assist you with these items. PROJECT NAME: (how should we refer to this application?) Rivanna Solar Project PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Solar energy generation project, with solar panels occupying about 90 acres (see project narrative) ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION(S): "Solar Energy Facility", per section 10.2.2 EXISTING COMP PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Recently timbered forestland LOCATION/ADDRESS OF PROPERTY FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT: 2627 Buck Island Rd. TAX MAP PARCEL(s): 09400-00-00-017AO ZONINGDISTRICT: RA # OF ACRES TO BE COVERED BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT if a portion, it must be delineated on a plat): 1(149) Is this an amendment to an existing Special Use Permit? If Yes provide that SP Number. SP- ❑ YES ® NO Are you submitting a preliminary site plan with this application? ® YES ❑ NO Contact Person (who should we call/write concerning this project?): Seth Maughan, Director of Projects - SolUnesco, LLC Address 1818 Library Street, Suite 500 City Reston State VA Zip 20190 Daytime Phone 7( 03) 672-5637 Fax # 7( 03 ) 574-4048 E-mail smaughanAsolunesco.com Owner of Record Caroline P. Sweeney Address 2427 Thomas Jefferson Parkway City Charlottesville State VA Zip 22902 Daytime Phone 434 295-5450 Fax # C__) NA E-mail NA Applicant (Who is the Contact person representing?): SolUnesco, LLC, on behalf of Sol Development, LLC (legal project owner) Address Same as contact City Daytime Phone C—) Fax # L_ ) E-mail State Zip Does the owner of this property own (or have any ownership interest in) any abutting property? If yes, please list those tax map and parcel numbers: Yes, 09300-00-00-047EO FOR OFFICE USE ONLY History: ❑ Special Use Permits: Concurrent review of Site Development Plan? ❑ YES ❑ NO County of Albemarle Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126 Special Use PemritApplicafron Revised 11/02/2015 Page 1 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 18 Special Use Permit Application REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS & OTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED for THE APPLICATION TO BE OFFICIALLY SUBMITTED ® One (1) completed & signed copy of the Checklist for a Special Use Permit. ® One (1) copy of the Pre -application Comment Form received from county staff © One (1) copy of any special studies or documentation as specified in the Pre -application Comment Form, X❑ Seventeen (17) folded copies of a Conceptual Plan. X❑ Seventeen (17) copies of a written narrative with section TITLES as follows: • PROJECT PROPOSAL The project proposal, including o its public need or benefit; o how the special use will not be a substantial detriment to adjacent lots, o how the character of the zoning district will not be changed by the proposed special use, and o how the special use will be in harmony with the following; • the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance, • the uses permitted by right in the zoning district, • the regulations provided in Section 5 of the Zoning Ordinance as applicable, and • the public health, safety and general welfare. (be as descriptive as possible, including details such as but not limited to the number of persons involved in the use, operating hours, and any unique features of the use) • CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The proposed project's consistency with the comprehensive plan, including the land use plan and the master plan for the applicable development area; • IMPACTS ON PUBLIC FACILITIES & PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE The proposed project's impacts on public facilities and public infrastructure. • IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES The proposed project's impacts on environmental features. ® One (1) cogy of the most recent recorded platthat shows the Deed Book/Page Number, of the parcel(s) composing the proposed project, or a boundary survey if a portion of one or more parcels compose the proposed project, both of which shall include a metes and bounds description of the boundaries. 0 One (1) copy of ownership information (if applicant is not also the owner). If ownership of the property is in the name of any type of legal entity or organization including, but not limited to, the name of a corporation, partnership or association, or in the name of a trust, or in a fictitious name, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted certifying that the person signing below has the authority to do so. If the applicant is a contract purchaser, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted containing the owner's written consent to the application. If the applicant is the agent of the owner, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted that is evidence of the existence and scope of the agency. Please attach the owner's written consent. See Attachment A in the Land Use Law Handbook for more information. 0 As the owner/agent I certify that any delinquent real estate taxes, nuisance charges, stormwater management utility fees, and any other charges that constitute a lien on the subject property, which are owed to the County of Albemarle and have been properly assessed against the subject property, have been paid. PLEASE CONSULT THE LIST OF ITEMS WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED BY STAFF FROM THE LINK BELOW: STAFF ANALYSIS OF ZMA & SP REQUESTS Special Use Pent Application Revised 11/02/2015 Page 2 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 19 Special Use Permit Application Owner/Applicant Must Read and Sign i hereby certify that i own the subject property, or have the legal power to act on behalf of the owner in filing this application. I also certify that the information provided on this application and accompanying information is accurate, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge. By signing this application I am consenting to written comments, letters and or notifications regarding this application being provided to me or my designated contact via fax and or email. This consent does not preclude such written communication from also being sent via first class mail. August 21, 2017 Signature of Owner/Agent or Contract Purchaser Seth P. Maughan Print Name Date (703)672-5637 Daytime phone number of Signatory Required FEES to be paid once the application is deemed complete: An email will be sent to the application contact once the submittal is deemed complete. What type of Special Use Permit are you applying for? ® New Special Use Permit $2,150 ❑ Additional lots under section 10.5 2.1 $1,075 ❑ Public utilities $1,075 ❑ Day care center $1,075 ❑ Home Occupation Class B $1,075 ❑ To amend existing special use permit $1,075 ❑ To extend existing special use permit $1,075 ❑ Farmer's markets without an existing commercial entrance approved by the VDOT or without existing and adequate parking $527 ❑ Fanner's markets with an existing commercial entrance approved by the VDOT and with existing and adequate parkin $118 ❑ Si ns under section 4.155 and 4.15.5A (filed for review b - the Board ofZoning Appealsunder the Variance Schedule) $538 To be paid after staff review for public notice: Most applications for a Special Use Permit require at least one public hearing by the Planning Commission and one public hearing by the Board of Supervisors. Virginia State Code requires that notice for public hearings be made by publishing a legal advertisement in the newspaper and by mailing letters to adjacent property owners. Therefore, at least two fees for public notice are required before a Special Use Permit may be heard by the Board of Supervisors. Applications reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals, however, only require one public hearing and therefore require just one fee for public notice. The total fee for public notice will he provided to the applicant after the final cost is determined and must he paid before the application is heard by a public body. Staff estimates the total cost of legal advertisement and adjacent owner notification to be between $400 and $450 per hearing. This estimate reflects the average cost of public notice fees for Special Use Permit applications, but the cost of certain applications may be higher. Preparing and mailing or delivering tip to fifty (50) notices $215 + actual cost of First-class postage D Preparing and mailing or delivering each notice after fifty (SU) $1.08 for each additional notice + actualcost of first-class postage ➢ Legal advertisement (published twice in the newspaper for each public hearing) Actual cost (averages between $150 and $250) Y Special Exception — provide written justification with application - $457 Other FEES that may apply: iO Deferral of scheduled public hearing at applicant's request $ l94 Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of $2,150 First resubmission FREE > Each additional resubmission (TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) $1,075 116 Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of $1,075 > First resubmission FREE Y Each additional resubmission (TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) $538 The full list of fees can be found in Section 35 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. Special Use Pennit Application Revised 11/02/2015 Page 3 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 110 Special Use Permit Application 4. Project Narrative 4.1. General Description SolUnesco is pleased to present the Rivanna Solar Project for a determination under Albemarle County's Special Use Permit (SUP) within the Rural Areas (RA) district. We have designed the project and incorporated provisions into our application that conform to the RA ordinances. In conjunction with our request for a SUP, we request a determination pursuant to Va. Code §15.2- 2232 of the Virginia State code to determine if the Rivanna Solar Farm approximate location and character is Substantially in Accord with Albemarle County's Comprehensive Plan. We are developing the Rivanna Solar Farm in partnership with the project owner, Sol Systems, LLC. The project site is located near the intersection of Thomas Jefferson Parkway and Buck Island Rd. The owner of the land recently cleared the timber on this property, and it currently stands vacant and barren of mature vegetation (see Section 7.2, Existing Site Conditions). This parcel (94-17A) has been subdivided many times since the last plat drawing (see Section 7.1.1), and its current shape can be seen in the Regional Map (Section 7.1.2), as drawn in the county's GIS data. Rivanna's solar arrays will cover approximately 90 of the 149 acres that are currently under contract. Our team designed the layout to fit within the development envelopes shown in the Conceptual Plan (Section 6). The development envelopes provide for avoidance of critical slopes and wetlands, and the envelopes provide conforming setbacks from neighboring properties and roads. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology will power this solar generator. We plan to mount panels to a single -axis -tracking steel racking system. To connect rows or to connect with the inverters or transformers, underground conductors will be used, installed per National Electric Code requirements. (The rack will house the wiring between the panels within a racking system.) Rivanna will interconnect to the Dominion Virginia Power's (Dominion) 34.5kV Mount Eagle Substation, which sits on a property adjacent to the subject property. (Rivanna's Interconnection Agreement with Dominion coupled with the Wholesale Market Participation Agreement with PJM provides the project the right to sell power on the wholesale grid.) A short distribution voltage line will connect — above or below ground — the project's main equipment yard with the substation. The distribution line will be similar in size to the 34.5kV distribution lines that emanate from the substation and considerably smaller than the 230kV transmission -sized line that currently runs through the property. In addition to engaging the county on zoning, we have filed for interconnection through the PJM wholesale market interconnection queue, as well as the through the Dominion's distribution - level process. PJM has returned a "no impact" finding, and we have entered into a Wholesale Market Participation Agreement. On November 16, 2017, Dominion delivered the results of their combined study and an Interconnection Agreement. We are in the process of finalizing the process that will provide the right to interconnect. Timmons Environmental has completed an analysis of the impacts to the environment and historical resources (See Section 4.8, Impacts on Environmental Features) and Draper Aden SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 111 Special Use Permit Application Engineering has recently completed a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Both reports have been submitted to the County digitally as supplemental material. These studies have revealed no major issues. 4.2. Harmony with RA District The proposed project meets the definition of a "Solar Energy Facility," as defined in Chapter 18, section 3.1 of the Albemarle County Code. Per section 10.2.2, the Albemarle County Code provides for the permitting of Solar Energy Facilities by Special Use Permit in the Rural Areas (RA) zoning district. Per Section 10 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance, the County designed the RA district with four purposes in mind: 1) the preservation of agricultural land and activities, 2) the protection of the water supply, 3) limited service delivered to the rural areas, and 4) the conservation of natural resources. In our opinion, Rivanna's location and character will be in harmony with these county values. As a renewable resource, solar generation displaces conventional forms of energy generation. In addition to protecting air resource by reducing pollutants, solar generation reduces the demand for extracting mineral resources, protecting areas directly in Albemarle or nearby areas that Albemarle residents enjoy with regularity. Rivanna will preserve agricultural and forest land and will shelter the land from impacts. For the life of this project, twenty to thirty-five years, this project will preserve the land for a future use after decommissioning and restoration. Further, a solar generation facility is low -impact construction. At the end of its useful life, the equipment will be removed in a process similar to removing fence posts. Our vegetation plan will preserve the land using local vegetation and through the elimination of chemical treatments to the soil and vegetation to increase agricultural production yields. The Project intends to use native grasses and wildflowers under and around the panels. By adding this vegetation (the land is currently barren, as seen in Section 7.1.4), the project will be providing sanctuary for threatened pollinator species, such as butterflies and bumblebees, which benefits the local agricultural community. 4.3. Suitability in Accord with Comprehensive Plan As was deemed permittable by Albemarle Count staff, we ask the county to consider the project's compatibility with its Comprehensive Plan (in accordance with Section 15.2 2232 of the Virginia State Code) along with this Special Use Application. The Albemarle Comprehensive Plan establishes the blueprint for future decisions regarding utilities. We submit that the Rivanna Solar Farm supports the Comprehensive Plan's (CP) vision, values, and livability goals. Rivanna specifically advances Albemarle's goals and strategies related to Chapter 4: Natural Resources, Chapter 7: Rural Areas, Chapter 6: Economic Development, and Chapter 3: Growth Management. Solar energy generation facilities promote the CP's goals to support and protect the County's valuable natural resources and Rural Areas. Solar energy generation is a green, renewable SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 112 Special Use Permit Application method to generate electricity with no harmful emissions or greenhouse gas production, no negative effects to ground or stormwater, and no generation created by-products or hazardous waste production. (Natural Resources: Objectives 1 and 2; Rural Areas: Objective 2). This facility utilizes renewable solar energy without diminishing other limited natural resources to produce electricity. (NR: Objective 3). This use hugs the ground (no structures over twelve feet). Existing vegetation, topography, and our vegetation plan for buffers will effectively screen the project from adjacent rights of way and residential properties. This facility will protect neighboring properties from future uses that create visual or noise impacts to adjacent properties. In addition, this project will not create any traffic, population increase, or other negative impacts that other forms of development can bring. Also, the construction of solar panels is low impact and temporary, allowing the land beneath the project to return to a rural use at the end of the project's useful life (CP, NR, Objective 6). Utility -scale solar energy generation is an environmentally sustainable business practice that helps the County achieve its sustainability goals. (Economic Development: Objectives 1 and 3). Installation of a solar energy generation facility on the Property in the Rural Area on land previously used for long-term timber production provides an alternative long-term use, that can be removed after its lifespan (similar to harvesting a crop of trees) without any permanent loss of traditional agriculture lands. In fact, solar facility usage with its fully permeable groundcover provides long-term regeneration periods for soils and groundwater resources on these large tracts. Moreover, it helps Rural Area property owners realize an immediate economic use for their property that encourages compilation and retention of larger tracts of land, allowing Rural Area landowners a means to avoid subdivision and conversion to residential use. Ultimately these larger tracts will be held together and, as required by statutorily required removal, returned to traditional agricultural status after the lifespan of the facility (typically 25-30 years). (Rural Areas: Objectives 1 and 2). Access to solar energy has become an important determinant in siting new businesses and more specifically technology businesses. The growth in Data Centers is driving significant investment in Virginia and creating new high-tech careers. Recently, tech companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft and other data centers have invested tens of billions into Virginia communities. With the ongoing investment in telecommunications — October 2017, Facebook and Microsoft commissioned a new massive high-speed fiber optic cable between Spain and Virginia Beach —Virginia is uniquely positioned to secure many billions of investment in Data Centers and associated economic activities. A commitment by Albemarle County to embrace projects such as Rivanna coupled with Albemarle highly educated population provides key components to the development of sustainable competitive advantage for attracting technology companies. (Economic Development: Objective 1, 3 and 4) Solar energy is among the fastest growing industries in the nation, and especially vibrant in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Adoption of this growing field can lead to economic boosts during construction and long-term economic gains by the county. These principals are explained in greater detail elsewhere in this application. In 2010, the Local Climate Action Planning Process (LCAPP) provided recommendations to the county, which included the adoption of renewable energy resources, where possible. To this end, the county recently volunteered to participate in the SolSmart Program, designed to promote the development of projects such as the Rivanna Project. Thanks largely to the text SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 113 Special Use Permit Application amendment that now allows us to submit this Special Use Application, Albemarle was able to achieve their desired SolSmart Status. 4.4. County Benefits A A 1_ increase Ppwnm in fnr I nnrin,.a npr When the local landowner decided to use her land for this proposed solar project, she was given a choice to either sell or lease her land. In this case, she chose to lease her land. Rivanna Solar Project will provide the landowner a steady income for up to 35 years. 4.4.2. Economic Surge for Businesses and Workers This project has already begun using local businesses, including services from a local law firm providing title work and from a local consultant providing renderings for the proposed buffer as part of this application. Further, a homegrown Albemarle engineering and construction firm has both expressed an interest in bidding on this project and has actively supported our permitting activities. The construction period will provide a general economic surge to the region. Additionally, solar construction contractors hire local labor based on the regional workforce's skills and availability. The construction workers and related activities spend money at local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, etc. Solar projects will seek proposals from local and regional companies such as building supplies, equipment rental, landscapers, fencing contractors, electricians, laborers, and others. 4.4.3. Increased County Revenues Aside from providing economic benefit to local business and workers, the county may realize additional tax revenue by moving this parcel of land out of Land Use. Currently, the county assesses this property value based on a Land Use assessment of $43,600. If valued at its full assessment of $796,300, the property would generate additional real property taxes of $6,323 in the first year. When the county eliminates a Land Use designation, the property owner pays for the difference over the previous five -years between the real property taxes based on Land Use and the properties full assessed value. Also, the project will pay the county fees for building and electrical permits. Albemarle set its current permit fee on a per -square -foot basis. SolUnesco looks forward to working with the County to determine how a per -square -foot fee structure might apply to solar development, or work to find an alternate fee structure, as has been done in other counties. Either way, there is the opportunity for a reliable revenue gain for the county. 7rie it?-Honal Opportunity The site can serve as an educational opportunity for schoolchildren and the general public, alike. The solar industry's growth attracts significant interest and economic development opportunities. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 114 Special Use Permit Application Clean Energy Rivanna will generate a meaningful amount of electricity (equivalent to the usage of about 2,000 Virginia homes) offsetting the environmental harm caused by traditional energy generation. Once built, solar power plants produce zero emissions. Additionally, the use of free sunlight eliminates the reliance on volatile fossil -fuel costs, providing for increased price stability for the region's energy. 4.5. Non -Detriment to Adjacent Lots Solar is a good neighbor. Once construction is complete, solar generation is a passive use imposing no impacts on the neighbors and producing no pollutants or other emissions. Further, only the inverters produce a low-level hum, during daylight hours, at a decibel level roughly equal to a household dishwasher. The design positions the inverters away from the fence line resulting in no audible noise at the fence line. Rivanna will produce no hazardous glare. Solar panels, by design, absorb as much light as possible, and panels reflect/refract much less light than many materials broadly used throughout the area and the county such as materials in residential construction. Further, only specific angles between the sun, components of the solar generating facility and the vantage point would produce glare and only then a diffuse, non -hazardous glare. Due to the use of a tracking system, these angles are not achievable from the vantage of neighboring property. Rivanna commissioned a third party glare analysis which further explains these concepts. (See Appendix 7.6 Glare Analysis). Rivanna's design will eliminate negative impacts to neighboring viewsheds, and the vegetation plan will improve the current view. SolUnesco chose this property partially because it had been timbered and left barren, and our vegetation plan will provide an attractive buffer (See Section 5.3, Buffers). Where this buffer is thin or non-existent, we will plant a new vegetation buffer, as seen in the concept plan and described in the proffers. 4.6. Viewshed Analysis Given the historical significance of certain sites on the horizon, we commissioned Draper Aden to conduct a GIS analysis of the areas that could see the project. Draper Aden analyzed the view from Monticello, Carter Mountain, and Ashland Highland. They compiled a photo report (Section 7.3.2, Photos from Specific Sites). We initially intended to do a computer rendering of the project from the view of these historic sites. However, engineering team informed us that such an analysis would be impractical; the distances and low profile of the project, a rendering would not likely appear on the images. To better demonstrate the viewshed from sites of historical significance, SolUnesco commissioned aerial photos of an existing solar project in Louisa County. The Louisa Project uses technology with the same visual profile, yet, this project utilizes roughly twice the footprint as the Rivanna project. We have attached full-sized photos from the report into the appendix (Drone Viewshed Photos, Section 7.3.3) and will provide the complete report on request. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 115 Special Use Permit Application The first two photos, taken .82 miles from the center of the solar site at 332 feet and 1.33 miles at 366 feet provide context, only. No sites in Albemarle are that high and close enough to provide a similar view to the site that we are proposing. As seen in the Section 7.3.4, Viewshed Elevation Profiles, James Monroe's Highland is located 3.18 miles from our site and is situated 248 feet higher in elevation. As also seen in this profile, topography will obscure the sightline between the two sites. However, we still obtained pictures as if the view were unencumbered. Photos three and five of the Louisa site are from 2.27 miles at 240 feet and 3.58 miles at 251 feet. As can be seen, these vantage points do not provide a view of the project because of the height of these solar facilities. As seen in photos four and six, taken from the same two locations but at 340 feet and 451 feet, respectively, the system is identifiable, but looks like distant ponds — these elevations are somewhat higher than Highlands. As also seen in Section 7.3.4, Viewshed Elevation Profiles, Monticello is situated 492 feet higher than our site and roughly 4.12 miles away. The drone's ceiling height is 450 ft., but photos six and seven still provide good representations. The drone took photo seven at 4.33 miles and 440 feet, and the project is barely visible when pointed out. As a reminder, the drone photographed a site approximate twice the size of the proposed Rivanna Project. Over the past year, SolUnesco has had an ongoing dialogue with personnel representing Monticello. We have provided them with a photo report, glare analysis, and the drone study. Monticello has expressed no opposition to this project. 4.7. Impacts on Public Facilities and Infrastructure Solar generation is a low -impact land use, providing the many benefits listed above while not utilizing county resources. Other forms of development (commercial, residential housing, etc.) require additional services such as roads, utilities, schools and law enforcement. This project will plug directly into existing infrastructure and will not require an additional substation or transmission line. As seen in the Conceptual Plan (Section 6), our proposed permanent entrance location uses pre-existing access off Thomas Jefferson Parkway. 4.8. Impacts on Environmental Features: On a macro scale, the use of renewable energy resources will displace conventional resources, leading to less air and other pollutants related to the fossil fuel industry. On a regional scale, the state's Permit By Rule (PBR) require extensive analysis of environmental factors and state law requires that the Rivanna Project obtain the PBR before commencing construction. To date, this project has completed the following analyses: 1) the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) cultural resources database; 2) the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) database searches for the presence of Rare, Threatened or Endangered (RTE) species within a 2-mile radius of the project; and 3) database information for topography, wetlands, National Hydrography Dataset, soils. Further, we have completed the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. The above -referenced research did not uncover any issues of concern. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a g L 116 Special Use Permit Application Virginia state code requires a permit through the PBR process before commencing construction — Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) manage the PBR permit (outlined in Section 7.7) The PBR process requires multiple surveys and analyses including Topography and Boundary, Phase 1 Cultural Resource, and Wetland Delineation and Confirmation. In addition, the project will comply with the county's Stormwater Management Plan. As seen in the Conceptual Plan (Section 6), the project will avoid building within stream buffers and on critical slopes. Before construction, the project will undergo a process of grubbing and clearing — the previously referenced timbering has left a field of stumps. This project has not yet determined whether it will clear these stumps by pulling or grinding but is cognizant that stump clearing activities may qualify as "land disturbance" and we will work with the county to adhere to any additional due diligence. Additionally, this solar construction does not require grading to the degree of large-scale flattening, as seen in other large development. There may be small amounts of localized leveling, which will be determined after field surveys and presented to the county as part of the construction plan. Land preparation activities will largely maintain the current topography. 4.9. Access and Parking During the approximately six-month construction phase, the project will ship materials to the site, and work crews will show up daily. Before construction, this project will submit a Traffic Control Plan to VDOT and will operate within VDOT's guidance. This project intends to use a temporary entrance off of route 53 during construction. The Conceptual Plan displays the parking location (Section 6) - timbering operations appear to have been utilized the same parking site. This project will re-establish this temporary entrance, built to the specifications shown on the Conceptual Plan. Construction operations will site staging and parking to avoid traffic backups on Route 53. Once operational, the temporary construction entrance will be decommissioned, with vegetative screening installed in its place as part of the buffer plan. The project will construct a permanent entrance from Buck Island Road (also shown in the Conceptual Plan). Grounds maintenance crews will, on average, visit the site once or twice per month. Operating issues requiring additional on -site visits are expected to occur significantly less frequently. In total, traffic to the site will be considerably below the 50 vehicle -per -day threshold, which qualifies the site for a Low Volume Commercial entrance, per VDOT's definition. A small network of gravel roads will allow light -duty vehicles to move around the site. As shown in the Preliminary Site Layout (Section 7.5), these roads will be sufficient to provide access to the inverter pads and will avoid areas containing critical slope and wetlands. The road network shown in the Preliminary Site Layout is representative of industry standards and is subject to change based on the design of the final layout. Based on the final site design and layout, we will provide the access roads as part of the construction plan approval. Given that this site will not have a regular on -site staff, it does not require designated parking spaces. During infrequent visits from maintenance or repair staff, workers will drive their light - duty vehicle as near as possible to the area needing attention, and park there while they work. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 117 Special Use Permit Application This approach to parking is in line with solar industry norms and renders designated site parking to be unnecessary. 4.10. Other Technical Specifications We provide the following "Other Technical Specifications" intending to be responsive to the county's requests and understanding that solar generation is a new use for Albemarle County. We provide the site design and layout based on industry standards and current knowledge of site conditions. We will provide final specifications in the form of a construction plan based on the results of all field surveys. 4.10 1 "gnel Layout This project will use single -axis tracking technology. A spec sheet for NexTraker's Horizon system, a good representation of single -axis technology, is included in Section 7.8. A row of panels will be attached in a linear fashion to each of these racking systems. We provide a representative panel spec in Section 7.9.5. Section 7.5 (Preliminary Site Layout) is indicative of an 11 MW.ac layout on our subject site. Note that while all single -axis tracking arrays run north -south, the distance between the rows is dependent on field conditions. The rows shown here are spaced 16 feet apart. Due to potential shading, arrays will be spaced no closer than 12 feet apart. 4.10.2. Inverter Pads Six inverter pads are also visible on the Preliminary Site Layout. Inverters convert the energy generated to energy that is ready to enter the grid. The specifications for a representative pad are provided in Section 7.9.1, Typical Inverter Pad. These pads contain the following — 1 or 2 inverters, a transformer, and other accessory equipment, as needed. For this project, our current preliminary design includes seven (7) Power Electronics FS1475CUl5 inverters. Specifications for these inverters can be found in column 2 ("Frame 4") of the Inverter Spec Sheet shown in Section 7.9.2. Depending on final engineering, this project may use up to 7 inverter pads (each with a single inverter), or it may double up on some pads, meaning that fewer pads will be required. Out of all the equipment on site, the inverters are the only component that produces any noticeable noise. As seen in the specification sheet, noise emitted is still relatively low (<70 dBA a 1 m distance). Acceptable noise level, as defined by Albemarle Ordinance, is 60dBA at the perimeter of the property. Even in idealized conditions, the inverse square law shows that, at 50 feet, the sound emitted from an inverter will be reduced to about 46 dBA, (see Section 7.9.3, Inverter Sound Level) far below the threshold outlined by the county. Since our development envelope is set back at least 50 feet, we do not anticipate any issues with sound at the perimeter of the subject property. Inverter noise is also limited to generation (i.e., daylight) hours. 4.10.3. Equipment Yard SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 118 Special Use Permit Application As seen on the preliminary site layout, the design sites the equipment yard near the existing Dominion substation. The equipment yard is the last gathering point before the the projects interconnection line transports the energy to the point of interconnection at the Dominion substation. This equipment yard will contain a 35kV class sectionalizing cabinet, switcher/recloser, and metering equipment. Depending on the utility's engineering requirements, there may also be a grounding transformer. Since this site is connecting at a distribution level, there will be no need for a large, grid -step-up transformer. In Section 7.9.4, we have provided a photograph of an example equipment yard with a truck for scale. 4.11. Other Frequently -Raised Issues 4.11.1. BatterieF While battery storage is growing field in the energy industry, this site will not use batteries to store the energy generated by the solar system. This generator will deliver the energy into the grid instantaneously at the time of generation. Panels and the related equipment do not contain chemicals or other materials that pose a risk to the surrounding environment. 4.1..1.7. Cleaning Chemicals In this geographical area, typically, rain cleans dust or particles that may gather on the panels. If panels need to be washed, they will be washed with water only, and no additional cleaning chemicals. The project owner will provide the water. 4.11.3. In general, solar fields do not pose a fire generation risk that is any greater than other forms of development. Like any electrical installation, our design and construction will conform to NFPA 70. NFPA 70 is commonly referred to as the NEC or National Electrical Code. However, the National Fire Protection Association governs these requirements in the code. The code has evolved over decades, and the requirements are designed to prevent an electrical fire. From the perspective of flammability, solar generation facilities pose less of a risk than most other uses. Nearly all of the material is steel, aluminum, or glass. Technically, wire insulation and the thin plastic back -sheet on modules could burn, but these components represent a small share of the project, and they are highly distributed across the site. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 119 Special Use Permit Application 5. Statement of Proffers 5.1. Setbacks As seen in the Conceptual Plan (Section 6), we designed the "development envelopes" to avoid stream buffers, wetlands and critical slopes identified in the county's GIS system. We guarantee the following perimeter setbacks, which either meet or exceed the requirements in the RA District: • A minimum seventy-five (75) foot setback shall be maintained from the edge of the street, where the Property abuts any public rights -of -way, as such rights -of -way may be reconfigured or relocated prior to or concurrent with any construction activities related to the Solar Facility (the "Road Setback"). • A minimum one -hundred (100) foot setback shall be maintained from the edge of the street, where the Property abuts any Entrance Corridor (the "Entrance Corridor Setback"). A minimum fifty (50) foot setback shall be maintained where the Property abuts lands owned by others (the "Property Setback"). 5.2. Fencing and Lighting Once operational, a 7-foot, standard, chain -link, security fence will enclose the facilities. (Financing and insurance require fencing.) On the perimeter of the property, fencing will be generally sited within the setbacks, at least 15 feet from any solar equipment. In the case of the Road Setback, fencing will be at least 50 feet from the edge of the street. In the case of the Entrance Corridor Setback, fencing will be set back at least 75 feet from the edge the of the street. In the case of the Property Setback, fencing will be set back at least 35 feet from the property line. (See Section 6, Conceptual Plan.) A 7-foot fence is sufficient to keep out nearly all animals. In the case that an animal can scale or jump the fence, there is no reason to believe that it could not escape the same way it came in. These fences are standard industry practices, and trapped animals have not been a problem. The majority of the development area will not use lighting. When needed, flood style lighting will be used to illuminate the equipment yard (see Conceptual Plan, Section 6). This lighting will be both motion -activated and switch -operated for the unlikely night-time visit from maintenance or related personnel. We will design the lighting to face away from any neighboring houses or roadways. 5.3. Buffers Between the fence and the property line, this project will maintain a buffer in which nothing is built or placed unless otherwise approved by the county. The property was seeded with pine trees approximately three years ago. These trees continue to grow, and are currently about shoulder height, as seen in Section 7.2.1. Site Photos, P8 and P9). At a minimum, these pines will be allowed to continue to grow and mature in all buffer areas. The project will maintain other SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a g e 120 Special Use Permit Application more mature growth and undergrowth in all buffer areas, except at such time that the vegetation poses a risk to the project, neighboring properties, easements, or roadways. 5.3.1. Planted Screening This project has identified sensitive areas where existing vegetation and topography are not sufficient to reasonably screen the project from neighbors or motorists. In these areas, we have worked with the county to create vegetative buffers that include native species of trees. As seen in Section 6, Concept Plan, we have proffered such a buffer between the equipment yard and a neighboring home that does not have sufficient existing vegetation to provide screening. The majority of our screening efforts, however, are proffered where our property abuts the Entrance Corridor. 5.3,2. Entrance Corridor Frontage We are sensitive to the fact that we are building near an Entrance Corridor (EC) and confident that it can exist in harmony with the objectives of the EC guidelines. We had originally proposed a development envelope that extended into the "arm" of this property to the northeast, which touches Hwy 53. However, based on feedback and our recognition of the sensitivity of the area, we have re -designed the project to exclude this northeast arm of the property from any development. On the northern border of our project, the property abuts the EC for approximately 1,000 feet of frontage (as seen in Section 7.2.1, Site Photos, P4 and P5). To ensure minimal impact to this EC, we have significantly increased the screening in this area. As seen in Section 6, Conceptual Plan, our screening plan along this frontage includes the following: 100 Foot Setback — We have increased our initial proffer from 75 feet to 100 feet to provide more distance between the EC and the project, and to allow more space for vegetative screening. Two layers of planted screening - We have worked with the county to provide a mix of naturally occurring and varied vegetation, planted on both sides of the existing utility easement to provide sufficient screening between motorists and the solar equipment, both near and far. Screening around Corners — As seen on the concept plan, the vegetative screening extends around the corners of the development envelope approximately 200 feet to the south. This screening has been added to screen the project from motorists viewing the EC frontage area from angles. Allow Existing Pines to Mature — As noted, the landowner planted the entire subject parcel with pine trees which are now about shoulder height. In the EC frontage area, as with all buffer areas, we will allow these pine trees to continue to mature, in addition to planted screening. A computer rendering of the view from Hwy 53, pre -installation and post -installation, can be seen in Section 7.4, Photo Simulations from Highway 53. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 121 Special Use Permit Application 5.3.3. Behind Properties Between Entrance Corridor and Rivannz Along the northern extent of this project, four properties lie between the project and the Thomas Jefferson Parkway Entrance Corridor (EC). Section 7.2.2, Entrance Corridor Adjacent Properties identifies these four parcels and the distances between these four parcels and the Rivanna property boundary. These properties are all wooded, residential properties with at least one home on each parcel. We have consulted with the county and the ARB on the potential for visibility of the solar project through these properties. Each of these properties has unique attributes contributing to the existing natural screening of the Rivanna Solar Project from the EC. We provide the following to address EC viewshed. In our opinion, the following provides for reasonable buffering under realistic scenarios of future events given each parcel's unique attributes: Parcel 93-47A Parcel 93-47A provides a setback of about 500 feet between the EC and the Rivanna Project (property depth of 450 feet plus an additional 50-foot setback). The property is currently heavily vegetated (as seen in Site Photos, P1). A high point exists in the middle of the property which will act as a visual barrier between the EC and the solar project in the event that the property owner clear cuts trees between the EC and the Rivanna property boundary. (The elevation profile of the property shown in Section 7.2.3, Route 53 Elevation Profiles, EP1 provides the topography for these properties.) The total 500-foot setback from the EC, the parcel's existing vegetation, and the thirty-five feet of existing pines that the project will control, provide reasonable protections against unwanted views of the Rivanna Project from the EC. In our opinion, no additional buffering by the Rivanna Project between the project envelope and parcel 93-47A would provide a material change to the degree of protection offered against future scenarios impacting viewshed along the EC. Parcel 93-47E While Parcel 93-47E provides a total 700 feet setback (property depth of 650 feet plus an additional 50-foot setback), this parcel provides less current vegetation than the other parcels. Additionally, the parcel slopes down to the Rivanna project site. Hence, unlike Parcel 93-47A the topography on parcel 93-47E will not screen the Rivanna Project from the EC. Although the Rivanna site will include a thirty -five-foot buffer of existing pines, the Project and Landowner have executed an Amendment to our Solar Lease Agreement to include a Vegetation Preservation Easement for this parcel which guarantees that the landowner cannot remove mature timber or undergrowth within 475' of rear parcel boundary for the life of the solar project. The easement includes 100 feet of mature vegetation and timber, as well as the young pines (P8) on the recently cleared portion (approximately 450 feet deep) which will continue to mature. Parcels 93-47J and 93-47M The attributes impacting current and future Rivanna viewshed from the EC for these two adjacent parcels are similar to the attributes for parcel 93-47A. Parcels 93-47J and 93-47M provide for total setback from the EC of 630 and 420 feet, respectively. As seen on the concept plan, the development envelope ends at the extension of the boundary line between the two parcels. The configuration of the development envelopes and the orientation of the parcels results in the nearest sight line from the EC to be 600 feet from the road to the panels. As can SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a g L: 122 Special Use Permit Application be seen on the concept plan, wetlands extend across the majority of the sight lines from the EC through these parcels to the project envelopes. These wetlands will protect the associated trees and vegetation from timbering over the majority of the sight lines. Residences exist on these parcels which are seven, and two and a half acres respectively, and these parcels are heavily forested. As with all adjacent property buffers, this project commits to leaving a 35 foot buffer of existing vegetation. With these two properties, there is some existing mature vegetation that falls on our side of the property line. Further, much like 94-17A, these properties have the benefit of topographical buffers, as seen in the contour lines on the Concept Plan, and in the Route 53 Elevation Profiles (EP3 and EP4). These properties provide a localized high point which would obscure a clear line of sight between the EC and the project, even if the owners clear cuts trees between the EC and the Rivanna property boundary. In our opinion, no additional buffering by the Rivanna Project between the project envelope and the parcels 93-47J and 93-47M would provide a material change to the degree of protection offered against future scenarios impacting viewshed along the EC. 5.4. Vegetation Within the Development Envelopes We are examining how we might incorporate native wildflowers and grasses. However, unknowns concerning maintenance, shading and sediment stabilization require that we conduct additional research and analysis before finalizing the vegetation plan. At a minimum, the project will plant a grass seed mix. Given Virginia's DEQ recommendation we likely will plant the Piedmont seed mix. This seed mix provides stabilization in disturbed areas and grows in shady conditions (most commercial greenhouses stock the Piedmont seed mix). If requested by the county, the project will seed cleared, open areas on the project's interior with a native grass/wildflower mix where the site conditions warrant this vegetation. The use of this native material will create a habitat for small mammals and ground -nesting birds. The inclusion of wildflowers can also establish a habitat for pollinators, which have been rapidly disappearing. Site plans have not developed to the point where we have made a final determination on the seed mix. In areas where we will use a native mix, we provide the following list containing some possible species native to Albemarle County. These native mixes are widely available at most commercial greenhouses, as suggested by the Albemarle Environmental Services Division: • Rubdeckia Hierta I Black-eyed Susan • Penstemon canescens I Gray Beardstongue • Coreopsis verticillata I Threadlead Coresopis • Asclepias tuberosa I Butterfly Weed • Monarda fistulosa I Wild Bergamot • Monarda punctate I Spotted beebalm • Packera anonyma I Smalls Ragwort • Pycnanthemum tenuifolium I Narrow Leaf Mountain Mint • Liatris pilosa I Blazing Star • Solidago nemoralis I Gray Goldenrod • Symphyotrichum leave I Smooth Aster SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 123 Special Use Permit Application • Symphyotricum oblongifolium I Aromatic Aster • Eurybia divaricate I White wood Aster • Ageratina altissima JWhite snakeroot • Chrysogonum virginianum I green and Gold • Geranium maculatum I Wild Geranium • Sodidago cassia I Bluestem Goldenrod • Solidogo flexicaulis I Zigzag Goldenrod • Symphyotrichum cordifolium I Blue wood aster • Hypericum densiflorum I Bushy St. John's Wort • Pachera aurea I Golden Ragwort • Viola sororia I Common Blue Violet • Avenella flexusosa I Wavy Hairgrass • Carex Pennsylvania I Pennsylvania Sedge • Andropogon virginius I Broomsedge • Andropogon glomeratus I Bushy Bluestem • Schizachyrinum scoparium I Little Bluestem • Carex flaccosperma I Thinfruit Sedge • Carex platyphylla Broadleaved Sedge • Danthonia spicata Poverty Oatgrass • Juncus tenuis I Slender Rush 5.5. Decommissioning 5.5,1, Dpro x missioning after Ceasing Operation This project is expected to be operational for a minimum of 20 years. With proper maintenance, this could be further extended to 35 years or more. When the project reaches the end of its useful life, or in the time period otherwise required pursuant to the lease or other written agreement with the landowner, it will be de -energized and isolated from all external electrical lines. Before any physical deconstruction, temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures will be implemented as applicable. These measures will be enacted with consideration of industry standard practices as well as State and local requirements. The project will be comprised of several thousand solar panels mounted on galvanized steel and/or aluminum rack systems. Each panel will be disconnected from the electrical system and unfastened from the mounting rack. After removal from the rack, panels will be placed in a vehicle or container and transported off -site for recycling or disposal. All remaining surface and subsurface components will also be removed from site and either recycled or disposed of. While we expect to be able to retrieve subsurface components to their full depth, we will guarantee removal of all subsurface components to either i) depth to bedrock or ii) 36 inches below original grade, whichever is less. This depth is sufficient for future plowing and other agricultural requirements. The soil grade will also be restored following disturbance caused in the removal process. All access roads will be removed in accordance with the lease or other written agreement with the landowner. If the access road is required to be removed, granular and geotextile materials SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 124 Special Use Permit Application may be removed from the site and where needed, topsoil will be applied to provide similar growing conditions to what was present before site disturbance. Storage and operation infrastructure and any associated temporary decommissioning improvements (e.g., temporary construction trailer) used during the decommissioning phase will be removed from the site. Any foundations associated with these facilities will be removed to a depth of at least 36 inches below original grade. Perimeter fencing will be removed and recycled or re -used. Where the future landowner prefers to retain the fencing, these portions of the fence would be left in place. site Rena bilitation/Restoraboi The operator of the project at the time of decommissioning will develop a Rehabilitation Plan designed to restore agricultural lands and wildlife habitat in areas affected by the project. The Rehabilitation Plan should include, but not be limited to the following Silvacultural, which comprise most of the pre -developed project location, will be restored by redistributing topsoil to provide substantially similar growing media as was present within the areas before site disturbance to accommodate the return of active forestry or farming operations on the site. Access roads and other areas which may have become compacted during operation or decommissioning will be recompacted to pre-existing conditions. Restoration of any drainage tile that was impacted by the project and existing within the project location at the initiation of project construction to the same condition or better condition than it was before project construction. Where project infrastructure has been removed, disturbed areas will be immediately returned to silvicultural conditions. Erosion and sediment control measures will be installed in ditches and will be left in place until the ground cover is fully established. Any proposed decommissioning work within or near streams or waterbodies would be discussed with Albemarle County and other pertinent agencies to determine any applicable guidelines, permitting, site -specific mitigation and/or remediation plans. Measures are anticipated to include standard construction practices at the time of decommissioning including erosion and sediment control during removal of the structures. Silvacultural lands that have become compacted due to facility operation or decommissioning activities, such as access roads, would be recompacted using chisel ploughing and/or subsoiling, as determined by an environmental advisor or landowner. In the event that the agricultural areas of the site are intended to return to production, any agricultural drain tiles capped or modified during construction, and/or damaged during construction, operation and/or decommissioning, would be repaired or replaced by a drainage tile contractor of the landowner's choosing. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 125 Special Use Permit Application 5.5.3. Cost -- Before construction of the facility, this project will obtain a 3rd party estimate of decommissioning costs. If required, the project will purchase a performance bond sufficient to cover these costs and maintain it for the life of the project. At the county's request, the project will update the decommissioning estimate every five years, and if needed adjust the bond amount. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 126 Special Use Permit Application 6. Conceptual Plan JEFFERSON VIGViWAY /ROIL TE 53 TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION 1 `,•1 \ � ENTRANCE SEE CETAIL SHEET 2 \\ M LTON ROAD —�v w _ROUTE 729 EXISTING SU GSTHT ON �,�FY yi ; �•�" INTERCONNECTON FACILITESf A--ROX MATE I.00AT ON OF /'EXIST NC POWER EASEMENT SS 1 APPROXIMATEr-, % LOCATION OF7,� , ___ i• F(UI MFNI YARD " ��i 96CK 'SLAND ROAD i ROUTE 729 €i LEGEND: O Q z v r Q : M � III ���� / j �� ��� ✓7�J/;/ - Y'- �� �s�wesn.nu urrrn �I I Y PERMANF_NT ENTRANCE �' - %///.I "'��"°°'°•` `^ SEE DETAIL SH-FT 2 ��✓ 'z' r�i `� //li, SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 127 Special Use Permit Application N 14. M1 MN MM, 1; lZrN, TI 14,-J Mc ------- v2 4; 0.) vo - IT < Eiji aB THOMAS JEFFERSON HWY LANDSCAPE BUFFER DETOL... SIDE ELEVA70N —E MOT — ULEL�*X —7-4 PI AN 1AFW 5t.(;A1QN L-Ji 0 P. A" T I I C", - < LL F- LU a cc W UL _j LL 0 fl Cn < 0 z Z c < L z > S—S 4 j I.., ADJACENT ffl� LNNOWNIE BUFFER DETML SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 128 Special Use Permit Application 1 460 O Y N v •- a o a cWL 0 M '�^ V r-I ■ ti } F L t 2 7d � ay � e . i Oy yyyS � i $ 2 { 6. do LQ , 41zMn�,G ! "1 �• !!J �l1r.LLH _? y (,fdS i ••� C T NL L GMry 9 :•:* ; y �� .\ ,.ems • 'fn 1 A err /raN � :ATe { L ,An 1,4H; 1• . fh yyl:: S A4 M141:: .IN eJiM {N 4u M•{,w:� Ail a{Aw �'�.,Tly n ,y.Hy, ,f •: W � 1^ this I. a plat of 588.4 A of 1►nd situated on Muokeyeland In Albemarle, Co. Va. the property of Harry O.Hrowning, known as Wt. Eagle and 1s bounded as followas Beginning in Center of the 81u� Ace4 a oorner to .3.addingEoa thence with his 11.4 8 484 3 294 ft. 3-713 2854 ft. stake and perelmmoa pointers thence with Hilton A.Harrie get. H 8 W 1171 ft, to pointers H 82 3 1072 ft. to small red oak pt S 82 3 2422 ft. to a stake Al 42 3 74 ft. a 21} 3 82 ft. H 2} 3 79 ft. H-171 3 37 ft. to a stake 8 22 3 i 297 ft. to a stake 8 } W 259 ft. to a white oak S 82 3 1538 ft. to a pine '70-71460 w N LL y�+ C 0 LA N Q Q E L m LL O p m C.U_ C Q >a �E U a) J a N U cn to N i6 C �U N o � U) U) 7.1.2. Regional Map N93 493 93.109 93A5 5W593A Q1--15 ( � Est 1 Legend 9�,22A g �793A5-OJ-1 I 93A5-1 93A5•K2.OA-3 �93113 v 7q /� 93A5- OAJp93A5-K2-OA 1 *-sue.+�.o �wm� a�v.>nrwai 93:109B ?,7 93A5--OK--7 93A5-K2-0B`� `° 93.124 93-58 q �[,� 'N 93A5-K2-OA-13 •� 93.110 9 93A5 K2-OB-294-16A193A5-K2.0A-1 93-125 1 43.58B JS 93A5--OK•12 .� .e.n.� �.� 5 sq 93A1 •E 93A5-K2-OB-1 g 93.12993-57. 93-55 93A17A1 4'SA3 \93.12693-128 93 57B o �1 \ � i 93-56 93A5-6 93.26 93-127 93--29B93 9 I' 94-15A1 / n `17 �mo93A5-A93A1=X �1493-31B 9357D . 93-29 9357E 93-53 93 Z993-31C a - q 93-57 v D 1 `31A 93-30 pQ m 6/VAN 13.33 93-45193-57F n o A 94-15Az p1 . -7 �/93-54A G 3-53D 93'45G 93'48843 4 0 93�C 93-54 q'N 9 F� �93-44A 9345F93;48E93-48D 9�45C 93A8C o 93�S4A1 r-r 3- 1 j 9;-4. 7J93•A7M 83-•tIN 33-40�y 9 4693, -47 L\/Y [JN 9353E r( 93-44 93-0693 )3-40 /, � a� a� 93-4.7P 5V 93 47C 9 3-4 pow 93-44B'9 93-52B ten' 93 44C93-4 93-52A 93 47C3p0 94-17A* 94.17 A1 9 -468+ 93 D1 92-6111. 93-44E 93747K---j 93-51 B �-9146C 93-47. � 9 93-52 / 93_ 93-50C 93-50 /150A 9 � 9 105 `B50 93-50D BUC�ISZ41VD CREED 105-1A 9 yA 105-216 A'o 729 C 705. 'oS-46105°41�P SrkCEK �41C105_-B� �/ 105-41A 'o 1- 623 C �0 105-12.1 I m s y i; 105-39 70 105-40A ti �s 9 �I ' 6-1A N ,r p 5,49 O U 1609 ft Q 10`-3E 105-37A o _ 5.1 105-3G ,105-3E1 105-25 r 105 37B 1064t 106-5 0 105=t- E105-3 105-3b 105-48 toy'_1D 105-3C .It'"D5'32 µ�q:9asa3: SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 130 Special Use Permit Application 7.1.3. Permission Letter from Landowner August 17, 2017 Albemarle County Community Development 401 McIntire Rd Charlottesville, VA 22902 Dear Albemarle County Community Development: I, Carolyn Sweeney, am the legal owner of the property identified as Albemarle County Parcel ID 09400-00-00-017A0, located at 2627 Buck Island Road. This property is currently zoned in the Rural Area (RA) district. As the owner of said property, I give Seth Maughan, of SolUnesco, LLC permission to apply to the county for a special use permit, for the purpose of developing the Rivanna Solar Project, a Solar Energy facility. This project is owned by Sol Systems, LLC and is being developed in partnership with SolUnesco, LLC. Sincerely, 6�� IQ-e-1 Carolyn Sweeney SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 131 Special Use Permit Application 7.1.4. Vegetation Preservation Easement Seth Maughan, SolUresco On Behalf of: Sol Systems, LLC 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Second Floor Washington, DC 200:36 November 17, 2017 Re. Amendment to Solar lease Agreement to include a Vegetation Preservation Easement on Albemarle County Parcel 97-37L Attn: Carolyn Sweeney This is an agreement to amend our existing Solar I ease Agreement, pertaining to Albemarle County Parcel 94-17A. This amendmenr will add an easement for vegetation preservation ("Easement") o-i the Property defined below as The Property to the existing terms of this Solar Lease Agreement. The amendment will include the following terms: 1. Landowner --Carolyn Sweeney 2. Tenant - Sol Systems, I__C 3. The Property -- As described in "Exhibit A: The Property'", Albemarle, VA County Parcel 94-17F, measured as approximately 9.1 acres (The Property). 4. Easement -- The Tenant is provided all rights to preserve and let mature_ all timber and undergrowth within the Easement Area (as shown in "Exhibit B: Easement Area") of The Property for the duration of the .Solar I.ea<_e Agreement and any extensions executed. It is understood that only preservation rights are provided, and that Tenant will have no rights to build on or remove timber or undergrowth within this Easement, unless such rights are provided under a separate agreement. 5. Conditions — Property will be free and clear of all Dens. The foregoing is agreed. Carolyn , Sweeney,Landowner p ate 11 /17/2017 Seth Maughhan , Sol Systems LQn. Behalf of) ,-. Date t etter of Intent between Carolyn Sweerrey and So! Systenes, .11,.11"'201 ! Pap,e 1 of 2 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Special Use Permit Application Page 132 Exhibit A: The Flroperty Albemarle County Parcel 94-17E, Located at 2427 Thcmas Jefferson Pkwy, and containing approximateh; 9.1 acres. Outlined in blue in the following image: Exhibit B: The Easement Area The area of The Property that contains the southern and eastern most 100 feet of the existing mature tree line, along with all land south of the exiting mature tree line, as shown in green in the following image: I etter of Intent between Coroline Sweeney ano Sol System:; Page 2 of 2 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 133 Special Use Permit Application 7.2. Existing Site Conditions 7.2.1. Site Photos SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 134 Special Use Permit Application 10, 1rA3 �T - 0 J 'gyp 1t +' C A�A +• " "• +�Aii1": . 'fir � � � '�>� s �x. ' s :. y ~ s•' �� � ..� y�pam�.. i .4� ��g /• ��-.,�. ,� s'y`. '•7 tc ice:{��_'. .P� T •.r t +xJ _ pity- ros�. 41A n SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Pagn 138 Special Use Permit Application SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 139 Special Use Permit Application 7.2.2. Entrance Corridor Adjacent Properties SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 140 Special Use Permit Application t f S 11 f; i J U 2017 Gopple - Google Earth M Q- Date: 9i:6: 2015 at 37.969098' bn-78.402495` e.. - I, ere al; 3034It Q C+i08 1kn. Avp. Mie Ell al- 387 394. 40011 % Rape Twalt DIV. ce 4458 Ell Ga-186t1. �t4211 Man Sto 156,. 1511 nvp-pe 6B-.. �tIal 400II 390It 88] It 3901t J]0It 360 M1 1551t 7t, F C y as f -2017Gwgle Google Earth ai 98s Imagery Date: 9/1W2015 at 37.969 Y bn-78.399651" elev 01, eve at 3134It Q GIdCn M1M1n. Avg. 14. EMvaml, 35a 2. 391 II % Range TIM D%a—WI Ell, GainL05522't. :961t Ma.S!Ope 2](M-12.2'r. A19S W. 8.1.. 4.896 It 78t A 2117 511, 1 01, A19 kao. E-- 373 386 395 f, Paige Tetab Dnlanee. — E- to I ". 2,a 911 "a. S.. 5, At9 -pe e 7 Google Earth Leg- Date: 911612015 ut 37.970667- b, -78.39 0' a40 ft eye aY. 2603 ft C� Tour Guide -II 2. 1t "', Q I . 11 1 , . . I I - .... . r G,ao M, An I.U.E.—.1 T— I 394 It 0 It 00% 2017 GDQQle Google Earth 6 ag- D-: 911612015 lut 37.970266- b, 78.395114- e4e 0 ft — at 2467 ft C 7.3. Viewshed Analysis VisV�;ty 11 , Legend�o:rer, a ;r N Solar Farm S Not Visible from location Visible from location d."' ed6rQ --r 5 Af Distance from Site AID {� 3ryexon :. L 3 R 1 %MUINli� Cs/ ` _A�f%IIlAYI - NOUnIdN: ` D A ILL tisMi�:eu "4 M i Ie s - a rs A M J. 2 Mlles 7 „ ` ; S )nescu Draper Aden Associates' 1 sot rce: Coutes ofnbemane, FHualla, to[ lsa; Natb[alceogral Lcsccley; RIVANNA SOLAR VIEWSHED ANALYSIS NOTE: Vklutitmge a0e. Irm aidCou rdarM sefor da6.Tree caerage flsel rtan laid Coue raatabase for tie R bal 1 a Mt u le d. Tree 1 e Igi t set at sD k et. He Ig M dt%guarbrstreedlocatbls Albemarle CplJnry,Virginia devnIkeorWspotele rslgauallable LIDARda6. The lowest tree legit were is ed a lbw It Zr worst cas a ace Is rb. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 143 Special Use Permit Application - �tlmark Southern tery' th tours Monticello �f Thomas Jefferson's famed plantation home -)Clifton A F `r Photo Investigation of Wivanna Solar Site -� :Carter Mountain Orchard s ®Peaches for the from Prominent MILTON LS picki_ f nappl g, es too FL_ a James Monroe's Highland Vantages in ASHMERE Forme, ri,denl'sa plantation with tours Albemarle County BISHOP HILL MT E_A�GLE - r Draper Aden Associates Goggle -- Aeatery th tours Y Monticello ,J' Stow Thom sJeffersons _ _ _ • ed planta'I home s � A � Clifton h add n O �_� i, �,A. MILBURN 'yp Carter Mountain Orchards rchard - Peachesfor the -. P.,: l—'apples too MILTON IL-L.'.. SIM,,on James Monroe's Highland - 3.92 Mi �• "ASHt,' - Former president's •� plantation with tours r� Project property A BISHOP HILL " _ 5 \ MT E. LE _ 1�� 400- Draper Aden Associates Goggle r �r � � ��OT�%Gooyk,Mm eats ®201J Ash Lawn -Highland Vantage locations and directions H1 - r James Monroe's Highla j- �S A '%A7shlawr-i•-Highland 0, .a 11 i Draper Aden Associates EnRrnre.urR Sim�e,�i.;R y'm,irorsuenln/Sxnim Wide view Draper AdenMsociates' ��� [- f: neerir.R Siin NnR E nrnrnf lS.nices -. . . �N Wide view '--- '----r -' - -' Draper Aden Associates For " r Draper Aden Associates -.I- y. CI r' s rat h C Z �1 or JC ockTom at 9 � a ountain Orchard V C2 / Garter Mountain Orchard / ' 4}- d Carter Mountain Orchard Vantage locations and directions Solar Site SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a g ,� 148 Special Use Permit Application ,yam Y- _ PE�7Ff� Cc- , a r, c �V"- _ .. C1 Zoomed in Draper Aden Associates S xx /s `g-d e � Z+d Draper Aden Associates in _ F � \ ;,` Cneurrl.rrx� Sun me L nen / S i �l SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 150 Special Use Permit Application SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 151 Special Use Permit Application on ello 'FMonticr ntage Io6aflong`Ifid dii'@letLons s • 0 i • 7 �Y�i/i Draper Aden Associates or `F per Aden Associates 'd�;,Sun�vLrx ;F.'nvLv cola/Survi<<" SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 153 Special Use Permit Application SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 155 Special Use Permit Application SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 156 Special Use Permit Application 7,3.3. Drone Viewshed Photos �• r 'Y T Photo 1 - Distance:.82 mi. Elevation: 332 ft SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 157 Special Use Permit Application pFI-74.- -- -- -, A I- - -,.4. --- NWPI �..•" . #. At LUO 40 VIM WX Ip 4% \�' Ora 4 ,~{fit ; aJe s Photo Elevation: JWs:• w :T14 Nt SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 160 Special Use Permit Application James Monroe's Highland / \ _ `__ ` t _ A = N f ;. 02017Google 1%091e Earth 0 1994 I gery Date: 9/16/2015 tat 37.970164° kin -78.426411' — nlft eye at. 12757 ft Graph: Min, Avg, Max Elevation: 325. 429, 599 ft x Range Tolals: Distance. 3,18 mi Elev GaINLoss: 723 ft. -971 ft Max Slope: 48.4%. -36.8% Avg Slope: 9.6%. -9.5°, i99 ft 550 ft i00 ft 150 ft IN ft f50 ft 125It Four Guide 0. L,1 , Ot_ - y3 y —Monticello .�; , _ -, �-,�,�'" ` 'fit ''�'" �"�'" " � • i C� ogle Eartl - b 2017 Google [� - . 0 1 1994 f. t ImaO r Dale: W16,2015 k[ 37.983267' for 78.420720' elev n c eye alt 21619" Graph: Min. Avg. Max Elevation: 351, 453. 863 ft Range Totals: Distance. 4.13 mi Elev GalNloss: 787 ft. -1279 It Max Slope: 37.3%. 32.0% Avg Slope: 8.1%. •9.6% 863 It 750 It 575 It 500 It 525 It 450 It 351 It fourGLd& 0bn, Iii 11 � [i 7.4. Photo Simulations from Highway 53 j %+1M'.. DESIGN n SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a c 163 Special Use Permit Application Current �M a OMM d 006 DESIGN �e DEVELOP Proosed SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 164 Special Use Permit Application 14 Curren t. Ail Ali F 1` yam `lit � New. � f D' A r'I - *Iv C i* ••� �a A + DEVELO toy i; s '1 s la it •i ii _ •'� O !":"; 7.5. Preliminary Site Layout I NOTE {GEDU VWENp I NAMMUM—ND ON fl D—BLOPEOF 1 NN50 NEC1gN, UPTp 15%PPPPGVAL FPOM NFXIMCIa:R OF ♦f D 11, IIIB' W.9lm)1—)8 GELL MODIAEAND ♦ FEI SHO08• RI.1Bm) FDN FlRST BOWtBENIEE H. P. fL00D(DE�PR9 PRE o9UMpD T�0 E8E 9q qIN �IOR LN E9�NPOU �OU�T qHE 9RE ANO PIER9 SN0ULDNOf FPLLIN 9TPEPM UNE9. 8. HIGHER BCOUR DFPU18P 511DUID BE RNEFI—EDDIINNFUUNOPTIIXI DESIGN.TNF 911E & ALL DITCHES,WASHER, ETG SHALL BE GPAKD AND COMPACTED TD—NEERS STANDARDS CONBTNIIGTIONSET. SPamv 'M: PLEASE R FOUN REFEDATION DM5NN0 FOR 9UCN MNOOF BOIL B. GRCHINOWATER LEVELS NOTWrTT1114T THE E-.OD'j!SfPmI BEE GROUNOSUNRRCE DOMRPC FILLEA MAU GIIBWITHIN THE TOP 2� , 1N— IOW APPPD SURFACE lo. •a•/l.bnI NEN HETGNT,unLEss V,N1Ti6N.wPRDvx FROM NExTRPCHEN PROTECT EN01NFEmrv� 9MGNEN SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Special Use Permit Application t. k ZUj_ SEAL ,91.,D91P, e 7RACIfftlIENGTHf31 � �1T W�aaFaRM�.Ma V) Bill of Materials w oTV NAMe RANrNa �NPH E,-,D.60Jaw6,M�a%,,JPIN., 58 F— z } x�a �MPrE;',a6o'Wa w;;%,JMNF, GW 9F m> o rr —NPH ES 1.1ivBOI—,& M-12P , 0 ,m MPnAscE),Ia��,.�cavaPWr D9FlNs, 32 � t65 MPHP9CE)-10.805Nw. MIMaOW,WFiMF, 6I Srw. W Bem, EN9a. CW BPT 5 T coavP, uaa.Ix6NAc,+PNr q er n. ulomumc 6�r(Muuehq lahel.l 21.0.81 hpf NUMBER. 2 125295 Xwry Pear PMr(',m _12BO 3785 BYlmra amry FlM(SA% Tn� BD X...rRal«Pl.r(wn SITE PLAN eIMmNM 4G3 Mawr Ra Balq J9T sw Rrmuis) No. eevrooM oATe INT. NnnNW« Mom, w q M,q'EWr.r EPeaMq DUNBN®Pi SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS D Ap Dc iFMUMW ,axn Mw TOTALMOpgEB MwuL�PmsmND aEmT m MpOULEGPMJIV BEOW NUMBEROF 6fgM#8 1310 P RrvENTENCAPALnv NUMBEPpFIMBDEN9 X N— PITON MWULE NM,E LG MODIILEMODE MOOUEMI LENGTX e.PD GRWXD COVER Ml10 (GCR)% A0.19 NCORNCNBR DRTAILB MOWLE em IEN(iM•. TVPFD MMOD 6t MOD ! ERTEPNM ® az I NrEN10N 93 0 �.{ PITCH' , EPNS BO J vn.9m,e' ��� eTOWeRMT. ,®IPH 6a MOW �� ai,IMnasaae EPN M 1q �9EE SVeTGMBPELtFlGTCN6 m3 ® 80 ELEYANTION VIEW TOTAL JB8 9f ... PA BNSTNO: I1C1 DMENSIONSANDDETMISDEPENDIXi8PE WWNDIrONIIOFTHE8 S-101 ae:srffii NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Page 167 7.6. Glare Analysis Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Project Prepared for: SolUnesco S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar Sims Industries, LLC August 2017 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 168 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES •`►•,• Software • R&D • Solar 1 ADMINISTRATION PAGE Job Reference: GA131 i Date: August, 2017 Prepared for: SolUnesco Author: _ Cianan Sims Telephone 937 802 5836 Email cianan@simsindustries.com Issue Date I May, 2017 _ 2 May, 2017 3 August, 2017 Detail of Changes Initial issue Clarifying edits Include roads & structures Confidentiat The contents of this document may not be disclosed to others without permission. Unless states otherwise, all maps are reproduced with permission from Google Maps, 2015 Google Inc. Google and the Google logo are registered trademarks of Google Inc. Sims Industries, LLC 6077 For Hills Ave 4101, Centerville, Ohio 45459. USA. T 937-802-5836 E info@simsindustries.corn W. www.simsindustries.com Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 2 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 169 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES `►•, Software • R&D • Solar 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 Purpose of Report SolUnesco is planning the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation near Charlottesville, Virginia. The installation comprises three arrays of modules. This report details the potential impact of solar glare due to PV panel reflections on neighboring properties, houses and roadways, as well as on observers at Monticello (a well- known historical site with a distant vantage to the project). The results are based on a detailed annual geometric analysis of the PV installation configurations, receptors and sun. 2.2 Report Contents • The summary presents an overview of the results and key elements comprising this assessment (pp. 3). • The body of the report presents the assessment process and analysis results and conclusions. • The appendix presents expanded details of the technical approach, the model and its assumptions, and analysis result charts (if any). 2.3 Assessment Findings • PV array I is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV array 2 is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV array 3 is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV racking hardware is not expected to cause glare for observers • These results are reasonable based on the site location, tree cover and utilization of axis tracking. 2.4 Solar PV Site Configurations Under Consideration • Three PV arrays, each utilizing single -axis tracking oriented north -south with a 0° tilt at solar noon. For convenience, the three arrays are labeled as follows: o Array I on the west side o Array 2 in the middle o Array 3 to the east/north 2.5 Receptor Components Under Consideration Receptors encompassing the Monticello estate to the west of the PV site • The northwestern portion of the estate is not considered due to lack of line -of -sight to PV site • 20 receptors representing the Thomas Jefferson Parkway to the north of the site • 21 receptors representing Buck Island Road to the west of the site • 55 receptors modeling various structures near the site 2.6 Mitigation Strategies Mitigation is not needed due to the lack of predicted glare. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 170 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar 3 Contents ADMINISTRATION PAGE.......................................................................................................................................2 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 PURPOSE OF REPORT........................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 REPORT CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................. 3 2.3 ASSESSMENT FINDINGS........................................................................................................................................ 3 2.4 SOLAR PV SITE CONFIGURATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION....................................................................... 3 2.5 RECEPTOR COMPONENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION..................................................................................... 3 2.6 MITIGATIONSTRATEGIES....................................................................................................................................3 4 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION............................................................................................................5 4.1 SOLAR INSTALLATION FOOTPRINTS..................................................................................................................5 4.2 SOLAR DEVELOPMENT AERIAL IMAGES.............................................................................................................. 5 5 RECEPTORS.................................................................................................................................................................5 6 METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................................................8 7 ASSESSMENT RESULTS............................................................................................................................................. 8 7.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................. 8 7.2 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS.....................................................................................................................................8 7.3 GLARE FROM RACKING EQUIPMENT ................................ ......... .... ........ ...—.............,....................................... 9 8 APPENDIX A: REFLECTIVITY &SOLAR MOVEMENT.............................................................................................. 10 8.1 QUANTIFYING GLARE....................................................................................................................................... 10 8.2 SUN MOVEMENT................................................................................................................................................. 10 9 APPENDIX B: PV ARRAY &COMPONENT COORDINATES.................................................................................. 12 10 APPENDIX C: ANALYSIS TOOLS & ASSUMPTIONS................................................................................................ 12 10.1 FORGESOLARGLAREGAUGE.................................................... ....... —............................................................. 12 10.2 ASSUMPTIONS.....................................................................................................................................................12 Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 4 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 171 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES `►., Software • R&D • Solar 4 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION 4A Solar Installation Footprints This glare assessment includes three ground -mount PV array footprints. Each set of modules utilizes single -axis tracking oriented north -south with a solar- noon tilt of 0°: Array I: west module array Array 2: middle array Array 3: east array Each array has a fixed position throughout the year. The site location ranges in height between 350 ft. and 390 ft. above mean sea level (amsl). The PV panels have a height above ground of 6 ft. which represents the panel centroid. Minor deviations from these values are highly unlikely to alter the results. 4.2 Solar Development Aerial Images The following image illustrates the footprint of the proposed PV arrays: FIGURE I — ARRAY FOOTPRINTS. ARRAY I (WEST), ARRAY 2 (MIDDLE), ARRAY 3 (EAST/NORTH) Each array footprint is modeled with a suitable number of vertices to encompass the proposed modules. The vertex locations and altitudes were derived from data provided by SolUnesco and are detailed in Appendix B. Minor variations in elevation and/or vertex placement are highly unlikely to affect analysis results due to the continuous, slow -moving behavior of the sun position and reflection. RECEPTORS Four sets of receptors are included in the assessment. The Monticello plantation home, Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Buck Island Road, and various structures near the site. Each element was modeled with an array of discrete receptor- points, simulating potential observers. The analysis assumes the solar panels are within the line -of -sight of Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 5 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 172 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar *,V* the observers and that they are viewing the panels when glare occurs. For roads and highways, points are placed 100 - 150 ft. apart. Although the selected locations do not encompass every possible observer position, their layout is sufficient for representing the roadways and structures. As discussed in 4.2, this is because of the nature of sun movement — incoming sunlight and its reflections behave in a continuous fashion and "sweep" over impacted areas. Modeling two positions in close proximity is sufficient for predicting the impact on positions in-between those points. FIGURE 2 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF RECEPTOR POINTS. COORDINATES ARE LISTED IN APPENDIX B. FIGURE 3 —MAP REPRESENTATION OF THOMAS )EFFERSON PARKWAY RECEPTOR POINTS. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 6 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 173 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar FIGURE 4 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF BUCK ISLAND ROAD RECEPTOR POINTS. FIGURE 5 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF STRUCTURE RECEPTOR POINTS (NORTH HALF). FIGURE 6 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF STRUCTURE RECEPTOR POINTS (SOUTH HALF). Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 7 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 174 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar 6 METHODOLOGY The Glare Assessment methodology, which often comprises multiple analyses of sites and receptors, is as follows: I. Identifyor define PV site installation configuration(s) and geometric model 2. Identify or define key receptor components based on site and/or client input. These include nearby roads, buildings and/or airport components. 3. Perform quantitative analysis of site and components to determine hazard and time of glare for receptors. 4. Review physical obstructions and other mitigating factors for affected receptors, such as position of sun and glare spot S. If applicable, perform sensitivity analysis on PV site to explore alternate configurations 7 ASSESSMENT RESULTS 7.1 Overview No receptors at any listed location will experience any glare from any of the proposed PV arrays. Furthermore, the racking system itself is not expected to generate hazardous reflections. TABLE I — ANNUAL DURATIONS OF GLARE FROM ARRAYS Glare (min) 7.2 Discussion of Results The three PV arrays comprising the proposed site will not produce glare for observers at Monticello or nearby roads or structures. This result is expected for several reasons: Relative location of Monticello The estate is situated several miles northwest of the PV site. Glare from tracking modules would only occur for distant western receptors in the evening, assuming the module rotation is not limited (it is). This is unlikely, even when considering the elevation difference. Relative location of road & structure receptors The majority of analyzed locations are to the north, northeast, or northwest of the PV arrays. Observers situated in such positions must be extremely close to an array or much higher in altitude to encounter reflected light from the sun (in the northern hemisphere). In addition to its east -west movement, the sun position varies slightly north and south depending on the time of year. PV modules with a 0° tilt and tracking will reflect incoming sunlight north and vertically during most daylight hours. Module tracking Solar glare from panel reflections can only intersect observers when the panels are tilted away from the sun by some amount. Geometrically, this is defined as an incidence angle between the sun and the PV modules with a value greater than 0°. For example, fixed -mount modules, which are usually oriented south with a slight tilt, have Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rival Solar Development ► Page 8 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 175 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar v lop *00 Vol# large incidence angles when the sun rises and sets (-90°). Single -axis tracking reduces the range of potential incidence angles since the modules follow the position of the sun in one dimension. In addition to less glare overall, the smaller incidence angle yields a lower reflectivity and glare hazard as well (if glare is found). 7.3 Glare from Racking Equipment Hazardous glare caused by reflections from the PV rack system is not expected for any receptors. Metal surfaces oriented similarly to the modules are already considered by the glare -check algorithm and are not expected to produce glare for the observers. If glare was detected, additional analyses with higher reflectivity values would be conducted to determine the ocular impact. Since no glare is expected, this extra step is unnecessary. Other reflective surfaces in the array should not generate adverse glare beyond that of an average structure, due to the relative position of the arrays, their overall size, and nearby tree cover. First, motorists traveling near the arrays - when the modules will be most visible - will be looking 60' to 90' away, i.e. facing the road with the arrays to their- left or right. Hazardous reflections outside the receptor view are greatly attenuated; for comparison, motorists regularly drive with the sun overhead without hazard). Beyond 50°, the glare impact of potential reflections is completely mitigated. The duration and severity of glare depends on the size of the reflective surface; a larger surface reflects more light for a longer period as the sun slowly moves through the sky. Racking systems are generally smaller, with the modules themselves comprising most of the reflective surface area Potential reflections from hardware would be akin to glint — brief, small bright spots like reflections from moving vehicles or from other common structures such as buildings, traffic lights, etc. In summary, because of the array location, amount of tree cover, and relative size of the racking components, additional hazardous glare is not expected for observers. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development a Page 9 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 176 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar 8 APPENDIX A: Reflectivity & Solar Movement 4*0 Vol# Photovoltaic panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible, yielding reduced reflections when compared with many other reflective materials. The amount of light reflected depends on the amount of incoming sunlight, the position of the sun relative to the panel, and various panel material and environmental properties. This Assessment has determined that modules used at the Rivanna project will not produce visible reflections for observers at Monticello. This Appendix provides supplemental information on the science and theory of glare analysis. 8.1 Quantifying Glare Glint is defined as a momentary flash of bright light often caused by sunlight reflecting off a moving source such as a passing car. On the other hand, glare is defined as a continuous source of bright light and is generally associated with stationary objects, which, due to the slow relative movement of the sun, will reflect light for a longer duration. Accordingly, this Assessment uses the term "glare" when discussing solar reflections. The ocular impact of solar glare can be influenced by environmental, physical and human factors such as eye size, humidity, etc. Finally, distance plays an interesting role in ocular impact. The impact is determined by the retinal irradiance and subtended angle ("size") of the glare source. The retinal irradiance does not change with distance, whereas the subtended angle of the glare source decreases as distance increases. However, the maximum glare source angle (i.e. glare spot) is limited by the overall size of the array. In summary, the potential glare source angle (and hazard) is constrained by the size of the array and potential reflective surface area. 8.2 Sun Movement Analyzing glare on a minute -by -minute basis is an important step in ensuring the entirety of the sun's path is considered when predicting glare. Because the position of the sun changes daily as well as seasonally, glare not evident in the summer months could manifest in the winter with hazardous effect, and vice versa Figure 7 illustrates the range of movement of the sun throughout the year. The azimuth represents the horizontal angle between the sun and true north; for example, a sun position of due south has an azimuth of 180°. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises and sets farther southward during the winter and farther northward during the summer. In the summer hemisphere, the reverse occurs — the sun's path shifts north in the winter and south in the summer. TABLE 2 — RANGE OF SUN POSITION, BASED ON SOLSTICES Date Azimuth at Sunrise Azimuth at Sunset Elevation at Solar Noon 21 Jun.2016 58.9° 301.1° 75.4° 21 Dec.2016 119.7' 240.5° 28.5° Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 10 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 177 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar FIGURE 7 - RANGE OF AZIMUTHAL ANGLES FOR WINTER AND SUMMER SOLSTICES (SUNRISE TO SUNSET). For each minute of the year, the sun is treated as a conical beam of light which is reflected across the panels during analysis. This reflection is then used to determine whether an observer can "see" glare on the panels. This process also accounts for the size of the sun, since glare can occur if even a small portion of sunlight hits the panels. (More information on the methods of detecting glare can be furnished on request.) Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page I I SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 178 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar 9 APPENDIX B: PV Array & Component Coordinates Component specifications can he found in the additional PDF documents included with this assessment Note that the PV arrays used in the Monticello analysis were larger than in the roadlstructure analysis. These footprints were based on previous specifications and provide a "worst -case" scenario, encompassing the more recent smaller footprints 10 APPENDIX C: Analysis Tools & Assumptions 10.1 ForgeSolar GlareGauge All glare analyses were performed with the ForgeSolar GlareGauge online application, owned and operated by Sims Industries. GlareGauge relies on the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) technology which was built by Sandia National Laboratories. (The author is a co -inventor of SGHAT.) GlareGauge assesses potential glare for each minute of the year and provides quantified data on when and where glare occurs, as well as its ocular impact. GlareGauge meets all glare analysis standards required by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. 10.2 Assumptions The GlareGauge tool makes several assumptions worth noting (from the SGHAT tech User's Manual): I. GlareGauge does not rigorously represent the detailed geometry of a system; detailed features such as gaps between modules, variable height of the PV array, and support structures may impact actual glare results. However, we have validated our models against several systems, including a PV array causing glare to the air-traffic control tower at Manchester -Boston Regional Airport and several sites in Albuquerque, and the tool accurately predicted the occurrence and ocular impact of glare at different times and days of the year. (As with all mathematical models, a margin of error must be considered.) 2. GlareGauge does not consider physical obstacles that may obstruct glare during the analysis 3. The ocular hazard predicted by the tool depends on many environmental, optical, and human factors, which can be uncertain. The speed of SGHAT allows expedited sensitivity and parametric analyses." 4. Geodetic coordinates rely on the WGS84 datum to represent the Earth S. For the purposes of investigating glare, the sun is treated as a moving object relative to the site and observers. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development / Page 12 SolUnesco LLC - Rivanna Solar Farm - Albemarle County, VA Page 179 Special Use Permit Application 7.7. Department of Environmental Quality, Permit by Rule Process Notice Interconnect PE Certifies Wetlands, Wildlife, PE Certifies Site Plan Public Comment Studies <_ 100MWs Historic Resources Design Adheres & Review Studies to Mitigation 0 0 a - 0 0 0 $ I igation Certify All County Interconnect Air Quality ns - Avoid Operating Environmental Permit Agreement Study verse Impacts Plan Permits Obtained Fee Paid SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 180 Special Use Permit Application 7.8. Technical Specifications °a CAI_ Example System Spec Sheet Our most amazing tracker yet. In our mission to make solar a mainstream energy source. NEXTracker has engineered the most intelligent and fLexibte tracking technology yet. Using sustainable design methods with outcomes that benefit people and the planet, we bring you: NX Horizon ". NX Horizon (formerly referred to as the Self -Powered Tracker or SPT), brings self-contained motor power to each row, eliminating power wiring and trenching. Our advanced horizontal tracker ihas the widest rotational range available, Lowest O&M costs, and requires for less power to operate than other trackers. By offering more powerful systems at a greater value, NEXTracker enables greater deployment of renewable energy worldwide. NX Horizon key features and benefits include: - Self -powered system with smart performance communications: Self-contained units on each row include a dedicated PV panel toprovide power to the controller which drives themotor and hosts intelligent control electronics to posi- tion each tracker. With smart communications built in, NX Horizon systems can be accessed remotely, providing customers with a granular view to optimize tracker performance, operations and maintenance. - Independent balanced rows with 120 degree rotational range: Each NX Horizon row has its own controlled motor with rotational range that delivers up to 2% more energy than typical linked row trackers. These agile, independent rows stow in Less than 90 seconds to reduce wind forces on the array, protecting the PV modules in harsh environments. NX Horizon solar trackers also have a mechanically balanced row design that align PV panels with the tracker's axis of rotation - which greatly reduces row torque, using less energy from the motor to track throughout the day. - Self -grounded system with theft -proof fasteners: NX Horizon is the world's first horizontat tracker with an entirely self -grounded design. This means no separate bonding hardware is required. You save on material and associated costs by eliminating grounding washers, braided straps, bare copper wire, and grounding rods. What's more, we've designed our own fasteners that can only be removed with special tools - deterring PV theft. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 181 Special Use Permit Application NX Horizon Specifications Tracking Technology ► oruiontal single-om bolonced moss tfockee with indepen4ently4rnren rows Track Ing Range Vpto120'(:60j Control System I Self4>owered Controller (SPC) pet tracker; I Network Control VM (NCI) per 100 SPCs Communications Wireless 2gBee mesh network/SCADA; no communKotion wiring required Drive System One stew gear, 24 VDC motor and se8-powered controuer w/dedKated solar pale! per row DC Capacity 23.35kWp per tracker row, depending on pone! type. Row length up to 90 panels. System Voltage 1,500 volt or 1,500 volt Pourer Consumption No gr4 power required Ground Coverage Ratio Fully Confgurab ie by CUStomer; tWKol range 339 50% Installation Method Rapid field assembly, no welding requited Foundation Types Compatible with ou major foundation types (driven pier, concrete foundation, ground screw) Standard Wind Design 100 mphA61 kph, 3 second gust per ASCE740; Cor igutobie for higher wind speed$ Safety Stowing Automated wind and snow slowing with self<onlomed backup power; no external power required Torsional Limiter Included at each foundatiorVbeOtmp for additional wind and snow load protection Principal Materials Golvonied and stoinless steel Grounding Method Setfyrou nding structure; separate materials and labor not required Compliance Groundina,bording:UL2703;structuratdesrgn:ASC£7.10 Other Available Options Snow and Rood sensors Warranty 10 yeors on structural components; 5 yeas on drive and Control systems Typical Dimensions Height 2.1 nV6.8 n (p 6n Width 2.0 rrV6.4 fl. Lenatn 85 m/283 R with80panels mounted in portrait: 11111111,11111111"11111111,1111111111111111 n1111111111111111,111111111111111111111111 4A MUM —> K� fi 'OWL - I a M 8 T NEraicker 6200 POW Padre Porkwoy Fremont, CA 94555 USA y v +1510 270 2500 nextrackercom OffiX11 Whe Cawnb VA"dba"wt0Anoon WI-0own MC SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 182 Special Use Permit Application 7.9.1. d Typical Inverter Pad AE P—Station- Package REVENUE GRADE METERING (OPTIONAL) a— > Installation and wiring of CTs and PTs NEMA4 enclosed revenue -grade meters Dedicated meter per Inverter AUXILIARY POWER PACKAGE Single-phase auxiliary power supply (standard) Three-phase 480 V auxiliary power supply available for various tracker power options GFCI receptacles for convenience CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS MONITORING PACKAGE + Central communications box for single -point access of all skid data Factory -installed and -tested control wiring from inverters and monitoring devices to central Comm box Power supply, RS-485 port, and EtherNet" switch included for easy connection to SCADA or third -party monitoring system + Optional additional EtherNet ports EFFECTIVE GROUNDING PACKAGE (OPTIONAL) Zigzag transformer, custom designed for compatibility with 1000NX/1100NX inverters . Relay cabinet for communication and control of inverter shutdown • > Optional disconnect switch between MV and zigzag transformers SERVICE OPTIONS + SafeGuard' and SafeGuard Plus uptime programs for inverters > SiteGuard' O&M program available for entire site maintenance + Standard warranty: five year inverters, one year balance of skid > Extended warranty: 20 year inverters, four year balance of skid 1000NX OR 1100NX INVERTERS (SHOWN WITH TWO 1000NX INVERTERS) Separate DC into each inverter 98% CEC efficiency PIER MOUNT > Reduced engineering and site preparation Costs > Ample openings for _ transformer AC and inverter DC cabling connections OIL CONTAINMENT (OPTIONAL) > Reduced site engineering and installation costs Integrated filtering and automatic storm water discharge with Petro - Plug technology Capacity of 110%of MV-transformer fluid volume SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 183 Special Use Permit Application MEDIUM -VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER > Single -winding secondary > Selectable output up to 35 kVAC > Environmental FR3 fluid standard Integrated AC fused over -current protection in low -voltage cabinet > Integrated high -voltage switch with visible blade window standard > Optional monitored gauge contacts in external cabinet > Standard warranty of one year, extendable up to four years Dknensions• Base 2 M W PowerStatioW Package with 1000NX Inverters Top View Elevation View SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 184 Special Use Permit Application 7.9.2. Inverter Spec Sheet HEC"USVISOO TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS FRAME 3 FRAME 4 FRAMES FRAME 6 I FRAME 7 NUMBER OF MODULES 3 4 5 6 7 REFERENCE FS1100CU15 FS1475CU15 FS1850CU15 FS222SCU15 FS2600CU15 AC Output Power(kVA/kW) @50°C m 1100 1475 1850 2225 2600 AC Output Power(kVA/kW) @25°C 01 1335 1790 2225 2660 3110 AC Output Power(kW) @50°q PF=0.9 990 1325 16SS 2000 2340 5 Max. AC Output Current (A) @25°C 1285 1710 2140 2570 3000 P Operating Grid Voltage (VAC) 6OOV 110% e Operating Grid Frequency (Hz) 60Hz Current Harmonic Distortion (THDi) < 3%per IEEE519 Power Factor (cosine phi) to 0.0 leading .,. 0.0 lagging / Reactive Power injection at night Power Curtailment (kVA) 0., 100% / 0.1% Steps MPPt @full power (VDC) m 249V - 1310V Maximum DC voltage 1500V Minimum Start Voltage 1050V - User configurable Max. DC continuous current (A) 1600 2140 267S 3210 374S Max. DC short circuit current (A) 2320 3100 3820. 4650 5450 i� Efficiency (Max) (rl) 98.4% 98.5% 98,6% 98.6% 98,6% i WN CEC(q) 98,0% 98,01/ 98.5% 98.5% 98,5% UK Max. Standby Consumption (Pnight) < approx. SOW/per module W' w< Control Power Supply 120V /208VAC-61<VA power supply available for external equipment (optional) Dimensions [WxDxH] [Inches] 119.6"x372"x86. 5" 1476"x372"x865" 175. 7"x372"x865" 203.8"x372"x86. 5" 231.9'x372"x865" Dimensions [WXDXHI [mm] 3038x94Sx2192 3751x945x2198 4464x945x2198 5177x945x2198 589Ox945x2198 z Weight (kg) 2635 3290 3945 4600 5255 Weight (Ibs) 5209 7253 8697 10141 TS85 Air Flow Bottom Intake. Exhaust top rear vent. Type of ventilation Forced air cooling Degree of protection NEMA 3R o = Permissible Ambient Temperature -31°F to +140'F, -35°CtU to +60°C / Active Power derating >5p'C/122°F Xw wS Relative Humidity Max. Altitude (above sea level) O%to 100%non condensing 2000m / >2000m power berating (Max. 4000m) Noise level t"1 < 70 dBA Interface Graphic Display (inside cabinet) / Optional Freesun App V Communication protocol Modbus TCP/IP cLL Power Plant Controller Optional / Compatible with Third Party SCADA Systems z 0 F Keyed ON/OFF switch Standard �= Digital 1/0 User configurable Analog 1/0 User configurable Floating PV array: Isolation Monitoring per MPP Ground Fault Protection NEC2014 Grounded PV Array: GFDI protection i Optional PV Array transfer kit: GFDI and Isolation monitoring device 0 Humidity control Active Heating u General AC Protection & Disconn. Circuit Breaker oGeneral DC Protection & Disconn. External Disconnecting Unit Cabinet a Module AC Protection & Disconn. AC contactor & fuses Module DC Protection DC fuses Overvoltage Protection AC and DC protection (type 2) u Z. Safety UL 1741; CSA 22.2 No.107.1-01 LL F Utility interconnect IEEE 1547 with Utility Interactive Control functions NOTES [11 Values at 1 00•Vac riom and doe I= 1. Consult Power Electronics for aerating wrves. [2] Consult P-Q charts available- Q(kVAr)=q(.S(kVA)=-P(kW)') [31 Heating kit option required below -20'C. [41 Sound pressure level at a distance of lm from the rear part. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 185 Special Use Permit Application 7.9.3. Inverter Sound Level If you measure a sound level I =[To I dB at distance d 1 = .1 m = 3.280839891 ft 1 d 1 then at distance I1 CIS d2=1 m=`5 fr the inverse square lan- predicts a sound level 12 — 46.3403006 dB ON You can explore numerically to confirm that doubling the distance drops the intensity_ by about b dB and that 10 times the distance drops the intensit"- by 20 dB_ SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 186 Special Use Permit Application 7.9.4. Example Equipment Yard SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA 187 Special Use Permit Application 7.9.5. Hanwha Panel Spec Sheet powered by The Q.ANTUM solar module Q.PLUS L-134.2 with power classes up to 355Wp is the strongest module of its type on the market globally. Powered by 72 Q CELLS solar cells Q.PLUS L-G4.2 was specially designed for large solar power plants to reduce BOS costs. Only Q CELLS offers German engineering quality with our unique triple Yield Security. ELECTRICITY GENERATION COSTS ®LOW G Higher yield per surface area and lower BOS costs thanks to higher power classes and an efficiency rate of up to 18.1 %. INNOVATIVE ALL-WEATHER TECHNOLOGY 0 Optimal yields, whatever the weather with excellent low -light and temperature behavior. ENDURING HIGH PERFORMANCE Long-term yield security with Anti-PID Technology', Hot -Spot -Protect and Traceable Quality Tra.QTM EXTREME WEATHER RATING High-tech aluminum alloy frame, certified for high snow (5400 Pa) and wind loads (2400 Pa). A RELIABLE INVESTMENT O Inclusive 12-year product warranty and 25-year linear performance guarantee'. THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR: e„iar r.µcWanis Engineered in Germany CELLS ror auun ry 2017 ' ?�tLftn ocau Bai wrcq. i ine tar motile 4014 I APT lest conditions: Cells at 1500V against grounded, with conductive me- tal foil covered module surface, 25°C. 1G8h s See data sheet on rear for further information. r CELLS SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Special Use Permit Application Page 188 Format 78.5 in x 39.4in x 1.38 in (including frame) (1994mm x 1000mm x35mm) Weight 52.91bs (241g) Front Covet 0.13 in (3.2 mm) thermally prestressed glass with anti -reflection technology Back Cova Compositefilm Frame Anodized aluminum Cell 6 x 12 Q.ANTUM solar cells lulctwn two 3.35-4.53 in x 2.363.15in x 0.59-0.75 in (85-115 x 60-80 x 15-19 mm), Protection class eIP67, with bypass diodes Cable 4 mma Solar cable; (+) >_ 47.241n (1200 mm), (-) >_ 47.241n (1200 mm) Connector MC4 or MC4-EVO 2, IP65 and IP68 POWER CLASS 340 345 350 355 MINIMUM PERFORMANCE AT STANDARD TEST CONDITIONS, STC' (POWER TOLERANCE t 5 W / -OW) Power at MPP- PseP [W] 340 345 350 355 Slron Circuit Curfeml' Ise [A] 9.59 9.64 9.69 9.74 Open Chcntt Voltage- Voo IV] 47.07 47.46 47.71 47.97 Current at MPP' f I— [A] 9.03 9.09 9.15 9.21 Voltage at MPP' Vm, IV] 37.63 37.93 38.23 38.52 Efficiency n [%] a17.1 >_17.3 ?17.6 a17.8 MINIMUM PERFORMANCE AT NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, NOC' Powet at MPP P., [WI 252.1 255.8 259.5 263.2 g Slott Citcuil Current• ass [A] 7.73 7.77 7.81 7.85 2 Open Circut Voltage- Voc [VI 43.92 44.29 44.53 44.77 Cur rent at MPP* I— [A] 7.09 7.14 7.19 7.24 Voltageat MPP' VmP IV] 35.56 35.33 36.10 36.36 11000'0ir 25°0,gtrum AM1,5G °Measuranenttolewn STCt3%I NOC:5% 380OW/m2, NOCT, Spectrum AM 1.5G "typical Values, actual values may differ Q CELLS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY PERFORMANCE AT LOW IRRADIANCE At least 97% of nominal paver during bunrw„r.Em ¢� . _ ,�e,�b,mm.a au.m,.,.,nmfirst year. Thereafter max. 0.6%cegra- cation peryea. At least 92%of nominal power up to 10 years. At least 83%of nominal paver up [o -- - 25 years. All data within measurement tolerances. FU,, warran Uas In accordancewith the _ warranty term sof the QCELLS sales rgan oization of your respective cou ntry ,Aver., vsaRs 1 I i 1 r i I I I I E rm I I I L I i m IRRAUTANCECWM9 Typical module performance under I - radiance conditions in comparison to STC couditims(2S'C, 1000W/m2), TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENTS Temperature Coefficient Of L, a [%/K] +0. C4 Temperature CoeNiclent of V (3 [%/K] -0.29. Temperahae Coefficient of P,,,,. V [%/K] -0.40 Normal Opetating Cell Temperature NOCE [°n 113 ± 5.4 (45.t 3°C) Maximum System Voltage V,,, M 1500(IEC)/1500(UL) Safety Class II Maumun Series Fuse Rating [A DC] 20 Fee Rating C (IEC) /TYPE 1 (UL) Design load, push (LU• [Ibs/W] 75 (3600 Pa) Pam itted module tam perature -40oF up to +1851F on continuous duty (40 oC up to +85 oQ D-gn load, pull (LLp [IbslfP] 33 (1600 Pa) 'safety factor of 1.5 included, see installation manual IEC 61215 (Ed. 2); IEC 61730 (Ed. 1), Application class A Number of Modules per Pallet 29 Number of Pallets per 53' Container 26 C A. Number of Pallets per Cortaina 22 c �vE C E . Pallet Dimensions (I x W x H) 81.3 x 45.3 x 46.9in (2065 x 1150 x 1190 mm) Pellet Weigh 16711 bs (7581gg) NOTE: Installation instructions must be fellavred. See the installation and operating manual or contact our technical service department for fu rtha Information on approved Installation and use of this product. He maha O CELLS America Inc. 300 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 1250, Irvine, CA 92618, USA I TEL+1 949 748 59 961 EMAIL, nquiryti-q-cells.com I WEB www.q-ce lls.us Engineered in Germany O CELLS SolUnesco LLC - Rivanna Solar Farm - Albemarle County, VA Page 189 Special Use Permit Application