SolAmerica Solar Power Farms, Michigan & Illinois
Locations: Various locations in Michigan and Illinois.
Developer: SolAmerica Energy
SolAmerica is a leading provider of turnkey solar energy and storage solutions. The company specializes in the development and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of ground-mount, rooftop, and parking canopy solar systems designed to meet the distributed generation needs of utilities and large commercial and industrial facilities. SolAmerica has developed or constructed hundreds of megawatts of solar projects in 11 states and over 100 counties. SolAmerica’s clients include some of the United State’s largest utilities and independent power producers.
Environmental noise impact of proposed solar power farms
Although solar farms are generally a quiet form of power generation facility, power transformers and inverters do generate noise, and can lead to complaints from nearby residents, a risk heightened by the quiet rural nature of many installation sites. As a result, HGC Noise Vibration Acoustics was retained by SolAmerica Energy to assess the potential environmental noise impact of proposed solar energy generation facilities at various locations including : Van Buren County, Michigan; Emmet County, Michigan; and White County, Illinois.
Computational acoustic models
The analysis included an assessment of the noise impact of the proposed Solar Power Farms at the closest noise sensitive receptors, in accordance with the local noise ordinances. Published sound emission levels of the inverter and transformer equipment were used along with the geometry of the sites and surrounding area to create computational acoustic models. The model was used to predict the future sound levels of the Facility at the location of nearby noise-sensitive receptors.
Acoustical consulting services delivered:
- Acoustic Assessment Report in accordance with local Noise Ordinances
- Predictive acoustical modeling
