Frequently Asked Questions

  • We currently anticipate the project to start construction in early 2028. This will only happen after we have received approvals from regulatory authorities.

  • PV panels are made up of hundreds of cells. These cells are two sheets of silicon glass semiconductors. When sunlight hits one sheet, it knocks free electrons into the other sheet. This electron is captured as a direct current. Panels tied together deliver a direct current to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current, which is how our power grid delivers energy to end users.

  • Several studies from multiple regions have shown solar facilities have little to no impact on property values. Read more here.

  • Construction activity will generate noise. However, once operational, the facility generates almost no intrusive noise. Noise generators on site include small motors to tilt the panels to the sun throughout the day, inverters and power lines that will hum, like old refrigerators, and A/C units on the battery energy storage site.

  • No. Solar panels are primarily made up of silicon glass, aluminum or steel frames, and glue. No credible evidence has been found of leeching from panels.

    Modern battery containers have significantly improved safety designs. It is unlikely to have a cell rupture, and unlikelier still to have the battery components leech out of the container.

  • The project is expected to generate ~$29 million in local and state taxes, paid to the people of Arizona.

    We anticipate this project will employ approximately 125 skilled workers during construction. When operating, we expect to hire 3-4 permanent employees, plus seasonal contractors throughout the year.

  • We are keenly aware that this project is in an Active Water Management Area and will be judicious with water use. We built and operate the Roadrunner solar facility located in the same county as the proposed Javelina project. Roadrunner, which is about double the size of Javelina, consumed less than .08 acre-feet of water per acre during construction. Water is not needed to generate electricity, unlike fossil fuel energy sources. Minimal water may be needed to clean the panels periodically, though this is not generally needed in Southern Arizona.

  • We take effort to disturb as little soil as possible during construction. Crews will regularly spray roadways and high dust activity sites to reduce how much particulate is created.

  • Growing evidence shows that properly planning solar installations can enhance, rather than harm, natural habitats. Well-designed projects support greater biodiversity and avoid sensitive ecosystems. Clēnera prides itself on working with local environmental experts to design, build, and maintain facilities that can preserve or enhance the local ecosystem.

  • No. Small increases in temperature can occur above the panels. This increase is dissipated quickly. Read more from a study conducted by Columbia University.

  • Modern utility-scale battery energy storage systems are designed, manufactured, and operated under strict safety codes and standards (e.g., International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association, UL/IEC tests). Safety features include monitoring systems, thermal management, fire suppression systems, and compartmentalization to isolate failures.

    These enhancements mean thermal events are vanishingly rare and, in the rare instance a fire breaks out, are often contained to a minimally small footprint.

  • Clēnera is actively engaged with local fire departments and emergency services to develop a tailored plan for the community and the proposed facility to ensure emergency plans meet or exceed local standards.