Texas solar firm proposing scaled back Washington County project

BVU receives its power from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

About half of the proposed site is outside the industrial park on land zoned for agriculture, which was at the center of objections by some residents and county leaders. Catalyst addressed that issue in its brochure.

“Agrivoltaics involves locating agriculture production, such as crops, livestock or pollinator habitats underneath solar panels or between rows of solar panels,” according to the brochure. “We will be implementing agrivoltaics as a part of our operations at Wolf Hills Solar.”

The developer estimates the project would generate $24.6 million in economic activity during construction, $8.8 million in property taxes over the life of the project in addition to creating 340 jobs with $5.4 million in wages during the construction phase, as well as “a few long-term employment opportunities.”

Solar panels have an estimated life cycle of about 25 to 30 years, according to industry claims found online.

The brochure also addresses decommissioning the site.

“Prior to construction we post a surety bond that remains in place for the project’s life. Regardless of future ownership, this bond remains in place to ensure the property is restored to its original condition and all materials are properly and responsibly recycled or disposed of,” according to the document.