The solar modules you’ve most likely seen before are called photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. These PV solar modules work by converting light from the sun into electricity. Solar Modules are made of non-hazardous glass and silicone. The silicone in solar modules is split into many layers, the most important of these layers is the semiconductor layer. The two distinct layers (p-type and n-type) are what move electrons through the module creating an electrical charge. The top glass is coated with an antireflective coating to ensure the most sunlight makes it to the semiconductor layer. Buckley will use bifacial modules-meaning they can produce electricity from the top side using direct sunlight, as well as the back side from diffused light, increasing the efficiency of each module and ultimately creating more electricity!

Buckley is directly adjacent to the Buckley substation, allowing us to connect directly to the BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) substation meaning it can easily connect to the grid without needing to build a significant amount of power lines. The land is secluded and away from major towns/neighborhoods to limit viewshed issues. The land is already flat and open, reducing the amount of grading that needs to be done in the project area. The project will be on private land, meaning there will be no public land taken out of public use for this project.

So far, the project has completed wetland and habitat surveys. Both have come back with positive results, solidifying our belief that this is the ideal location for a solar project of this size. The wetlands are primarily down in the valleys, which the project will have no trouble avoiding. The habitat surveys indicated the project will not impact any critical habitats for the area.

The Buckley locations is owned by private landowners.

More than 90% of this site has soil that is very hard to farm (Class III or Class IV soils and above). Less than 15% of the private land used by the proposed solar farm is currently used to grow winter wheat. There are minimal grazing operations on the land as well.

We are working with local organizations to understand the impact to the agricultural economy and ensure the solar facility will integrate with the historic and future vision of the Sherman County community. Our company is fully committed to explore innovative measures to mitigate any adverse impacts.

There are several different types of habitat land located within the Buckley project area. Habitat categories on site are big sage sagebrush shrub-steppe, low shrubs shrub-steppe, CRP lands, perennial grassland, intermittent stream (unaffected by solar modules), ephemeral stream (unaffected by solar modules), wetland (unaffected by solar modules), developed area, and cultivated agriculture (dryland winter wheat).

 The Buckley project team is committed to working closely with landowners, state agencies and local experts to ensure environmental mitigation where necessary.  The Buckley layout and corresponding mitigation plans will be shaped using the information gathered from our pre-construction surveys including but not limited to wetland, habitat and cultural surveys.

Solar projects of similar size have yielded hundreds of quality jobs during construction, and once operational, we can expect approximately 20 permanent employees. An economic impact study is underway and we look forward to sharing more with the community about the jobs, tax revenue, and other investments that Clēnera is making in Sherman County.

With headquarters in the desert steppe of Boise, Idaho and projects scattered across the West, living under the threat of wildfire is part of our DNA. We know that wildfire is a concern for this region — and safety is our top priority. We are working regularly with local fire experts and coordinating closely with first responders to ensure we use fire-resistant materials during construction, that buffers and access points are integrated into our site plan, and we have robust plans in place for if wildfire becomes an issue for this project.

 Unlike other developers, Clēnera will own the solar farm once it becomes operational. As a business asset, we are incentivized to protect our solar farm from damage or being a fire hazard to neighboring property.

Headline-grabbing media coverage of battery storage fires have captured the imagination and preyed on the fears of the American people. In truth, the likelihood of a battery storage fire is incredibly small today, for several reasons.

First, batteries made in the last few years use lithium iron phosphate (LFP), instead of nickel manganese cobalt (NMC). LFP batteries have a significantly lower chance of catching fire.

Second, the way battery storage facilities are constructed has drastically changed in the last few years. The batteries are held in a box that looks like a shipping container. Inside, the box is air conditioned and lined with a fire suppression system designed to prevent runaway chemical fires. Those boxes are set on concrete foundations and manufactured earthen embankments to contain possible chemical spills. Each box is separated from each other to again prevent fires from expanding. These updates have been rigorously tested to meet higher safety standards.

A noise analysis will be performed as part of the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) process, but once operational solar facilities produce almost no noise.

Once the project is complete, we expect approximately 20 full-time employees, which will not bring any additional high-volume traffic. This project will cause an increase in traffic during the construction period — which is why our preference is to enter into a road use agreement with the county to ensure minimal impact.

No. We are working closely with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure that our operations will not have any impact on this area, and will be implementing revegetation plans, preventing runoff, and taking any other precautions necessary.

The life span of the project is expected to be 35-40 years.

Yes. When solar panels break or they reach the end of their lifecycle, much of the material can be recycled. That which can’t is disposed of in a proper manner in accordance with all local, state and federal laws.

The site is returned to its original use. Solar is minimally invasive to the land.

Connecting with the community is our top priority. To contact our team please fill out the contact form or email Buckleysolar@clenera.com