mayes county solar
Mayes County, OK
LRE Sustainability Highlights Report
At Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), we’re committed to our core value of Sustainability In All We Do. Click here to view our most recent Sustainability Highlights Report which provides an overview of LRE’s sustainability strategy, community commitment and our environmental, social and governance accomplishments and growth.
Project Overview
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is developing three solar energy facilities in Mayes County, Oklahoma near the city of Pryor Creek. The facilities will be located on privately-owned land and will generate a total of ~ 370 megawatts of clean energy. The three projects are: Salt Branch Solar phases 1 and 2 which is a 145-MW facility located north of Route 20; Huckleberry Solar, (124.7 MW), and Mayes Solar (101.5 MW) both of which are located South of Pryor Creek and west of Route 69. The three facilities are expected to begin operating by late 2025 and will generate emission-free renewable energy and a substantial property tax base for Mayes County of $78 million in taxes paid over 30 years.
370
Megawatt (MW) Solar Capacity Operational
300–400
Estimated Construction jobs
76
million estimated taxes paid over 30 years
Project location
Timeline
Community Involvement
As a dedicated member of the community, our Mayes County Solar projects will work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. We pride ourselves on being fully transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback. Our involvement will go well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and local communities. We’ve recently supported a broad range of community projects including over $65,000 in donations to local school districts to support STEM education, American Red Cross tornado recovery, Cherokee Nation Foundation student scholarships, and several local nonprofits.
About Us
The Mayes County Solar projects are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC. Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. LRE takes a tailored, full-lifecycle approach to its projects, which is underpinned by its long-term ownership model and purpose-driven culture that is dedicated to benefiting its community partners while protecting and enhancing the environment. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30, 2023). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
Mayes County Key Fact Sheet Download Here
Solar frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the solar facility look like?
The Mayes County Solar projects will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the project site will be fenced for security and safety.
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as any of the four Mayes County Solar facilities are low-intensity, passive uses of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks and professional landscaping will also be used to mitigate visual impact.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Solar panels at the Mayes County Solar projects are manufactured with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.
How long will the solar facility be operational?
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Each of the Mayes County Solar projects will be responsible for maintaining their solar facility properties. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the Project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, the Mayes County Solar projects will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use.
How will development of the solar facility affect my community?
Construction brings new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Mayes County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to the local tax authority and provide clean energy in Oklahoma.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
If you have a question, concern, or complaint about any aspect of the Mayes County Solar projects you can call the project phone line @ 918-679-1470 or complete the form below. If you choose to register your concern by phone, please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form.
