Rose Gold solar

The Rose Gold Solar project will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic (PV) electric generating panels mounted to steel frames that are 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. Vegetative screening will be implemented at various locations to enhance the visual appeal of the site.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels capture energy from the sun and produce direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity flows to electrical inverters where it is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity is then combined and transformed to the electrical grid’s voltage at the project substation, where it connects to the utility’s system and is sold to the market.

Photovoltaic panels are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. The amount of sunlight the panels absorb correlates directly to the amount of electricity produced, thus panels are designed to absorb maximum amounts of sunlight and minimize reflection. In fact, typical solar panel glass is constructed with anti-reflective coatings. Solar farms produce minimal noise as they do not contain large mechanical components. We design our farms so that any increase in noise from operation is negligible at neighboring properties.

The Development Plan process gives Jay County the authority to give particular consideration to projects that may have an impact on the surrounding area or the County. This includes both Personal Solar Energy Systems and Solar Energy Farm System, the latter of which is a commercial solar facility of greater than 5-acres. Rose Gold Solar’s Development Plan application identifies the proposed Project Area and proposed use and complies with the Jay County’s Solar Energy Systems ordinance.

Prior to submitting a Development Plan application to Jay County, Rose Gold began soliciting feedback from the local community through a variety of ways, including an open-house event. The public and other interested parties had an opportunity to learn more about the Project, have their questions answered, and provide feedback during a community open-house held in Dunkirk on July 19. Rose Gold Solar has submitted a Development Plan application to the County, and once the Zoning Administrator performs an initial review, Rose Gold Solar will then have its petition heard by the County Plan Commission at public hearing. Rose Gold Solar will notify adjacent residents and property owners, as well as publish notice of the public hearing in a local newspaper not less than sixteen (16) days prior to the hearing. At the public hearing, any person can provide comments to the Plan Commission on the proposed Project.

At the Plan Commission public hearing, the Commission will receive comments regarding the Project. Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission will make the final decision to grant approval of the petition.

Information on Rose Gold Solar’s open-house event and Jay County public hearing is posted to the Community Involvement section of this webpage.

Rose Gold Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years.

Rose Gold Solar will be responsible for maintaining the the property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management occurs on the Project site. We also implement vegetation management plans and construction best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and manage overgrowth and invasive plant species. As part of the development process, Jay County will review our Landscape Plan.

Safety is our number one priority. We manage our projects with the utmost regard for safety, sustainability, and long-term growth. Extensive employee and contractor training is required to meet our safety program standards, and our entire team, starting with our executives, makes a daily commitment to a safe work environment.

Through careful engineering design and strict adherence to safety standards, solar projects pose minimal health and safety risks.

At the end of the life of the Project, Rose Gold Solar will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the Development Plan review process, the County will review Rose Gold Solar’s proposed Decommissioning Plan to ensure that ample considerations and funding are provided for when the life of the Project is over.

Construction of the solar farm will bring new construction jobs, 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 the life of the Project, it will not burden Jay County services and utilities. The Project will, however, contribute significant property taxes to the community and provide clean energy to the greater Northeast Indiana area.

For more detailed information about this project, please email rosegoldinfo@rosegoldsolar.com, or fill out the form below.

Several studies across the country have concluded that property proximity to large-scale solar projects has no negative measurable impact on home and property values. Part of the reason for that is that solar projects do not possess the undesirable qualities that can adversely impact property values, such as hazardous emissions, odor, noise, and excess traffic. In general, construction and operation of utility-scale solar projects positively affect the socioeconomic conditions of the community they are built by generating increased property tax revenues over the expected life of the project, which can benefit schools and other services. Solar projects also generate sales, use, and income tax revenue and can attract businesses seeking renewable resources to the larger region. Furthermore, Rose Gold Solar is proposing to design the project to include setbacks and perimeter landscaping from roads and residences for appealing views, re-seeding with native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants to maintain and support the rural nature of the community, and limited equipment height, all of which will enhance the project’s appearance and can help maintain property values to a greater degree than more intensive agricultural uses.