Cottontail Solar
153MWdc
in operation across 6 sites
200
jobs created during construction to date, the majority local workers
$40 million
dollars in new tax revenue projected over the project life, for schools as well as local and county governments
About the Cottontail Solar project
Cottontail Solar is a renewable energy project, with sites across Pennsylvania. Six sites totaling 153MWdc are currently in commercial operation in York, Northumberland, Snyder and Juniata Counties.
The project created jobs, brought millions of dollars in investment to local communities and the Commonwealth, conserved area flora and fauna, and provided a diversified source of income for farmers in the community who are leasing their own property, enabling them to maintain their land for future generations.
Local benefits
Job creation: The project will help grow the Pennsylvania solar market and provide rewarding careers for current and future generations in solar energy. It is expected to employ up to 400 workers in total during construction, with the vast majority coming from central Pennsylvania including LiUNA Laborers’ Local 158.
Tax revenue: In total, an estimated $40 million in property tax revenues over the life of the project will stay in the local communities, a significant increase over current payments.
Stormwater benefits: The solar farms may significantly reduce sediment runoff by converting tilled row crop acreage to permanent cover crop of native grasses that can intercept and retain stormwater.
Community dialogue – we want to be a good neighbor
Lightsource bp is dedicated to supporting communities that are home to our solar projects across America. That’s why we have an entire Community Relations team that works closely with our neighbors to maximize the positive social impacts of our projects.
If you would like to connect with a community ambassador, please email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
It’s so much more than a solar farm
Lightsource bp is a member of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), a non-profit founded by farmers dedicated to agrivoltaics: the combination of agriculture and solar photovoltaics through sheep grazing on solar sites to maintain the land and keep it in agricultural production. Working in partnership with ASGA, local farmers, grazing and ecology experts, we’re planning to implement sheep grazing at our solar sites wherever possible.
Why solar?
Solar is a passive form of technology, generating electricity that adds security to our country’s energy mix. This, combined with its ability to bring our country’s energy costs down makes it an ideal energy source for the US.
- With a long-term land management plan, studies have shown that solar farms can meaningfully increase wildlife populations and biodiversity.
- Solar farms can help strengthen rural economies by creating local jobs, contributing significant annual revenue for local counties, providing dependable revenue to landowners in order to supplement farm income, and bringing multimillion dollar annual operations budgets that are primarily spent in the region.
Best practices for solar development
Lightsource bp has a deep commitment to delivering safe and affordable renewable energy, as well as maximizing the environmental sustainability and positive social impacts of our projects. We are intentional with every detail, from the fencing we choose to the vegetation we plant. We want our projects to be great additions to the local community.
Example of fencing that will be used for the Cottontail solar farms
Environment and aesthetics
- Adding buffer zones of greenspace with trees and shrubs between the solar panels and public view.
- Installing game fencing— consistent with the local aesthetic of the area—around the project, as opposed to industry-standard chain link fencing.
- Planting vegetation under and around the solar panels, with a seed mix customized for the local area. These seed mixes help to increase biodiversity and improve soil health.
Planning for lifetime success
- Developing a comprehensive drainage and traffic management plan, working directly with the county on road use agreements.
- Budgeting for consistent maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
- Preparing a decommissioning plan to ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible removal or repurposing of equipment and facilities.
Stories
Find out more about our Responsible Solar approach
Solar farm, living laboratory: Lightsource bp’s Nittany solar projects in Pennsylvania
Learn about research at our sites
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more about this project, email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com, or fill out the form below. We aim to get back to you within five working days.
If you are a member of the media, please visit our Press Center.
Explore other Lightsource bp solar projects in Pennsylvania
Penn State Solar
70 MW
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Energy partner: Penn State University
Elk Hill Solar 1 and 2
42 MW
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Energy partner: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA)
Information and resources
We’ve put together a collection of resources for anyone who’d like to know more about our Cottontail solar farm project – or about solar in general.
Coverage
Solar farm FAQs
We’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions, and their answers.