Orange County NC Website
77 <br /> Pete Hollenbeck: So the 960 individual solar array panels means 960 clusters of groups of <br /> individual panels? <br /> Lance Williams: Yes. And the individual panel is about the size of a piece of plywood. <br /> Pete Hollenbeck: And you mentioned that there would be grass underneath. How is that <br /> maintained? <br /> Lance Williams: That is sort of a work in progress. The story that we like to say and it's not <br /> true in all seasons, is that normally there are sheep on farms, so during growing season there <br /> are sheep grazing there. We do allow the shepherd to use the property to help keep the grass <br /> down. We would work with the various grass types to figure out what the best low-growth grass <br /> is for the area. <br /> Pete Hollenbeck: The key concept here is that one way or another it is getting cut and the plan <br /> is not to let it grow wild. <br /> Lance Williams: That's the plan and the less we need out there, the less chance of somebody <br /> damaging it. <br /> Pete Hollenbeck: One last question. You said it's a single-phase power connection to Duke <br /> Power? I have some issues with this and I think it would be very acceptable to come back to <br /> the Planning Board after talking to Duke with greater detail. For 190 amps going into a single- <br /> phase feed, I was surprised you could take that much in an imbalanced feed. <br /> Lance Williams: We met with Duke on site today. We normally look for areas that have three- <br /> phase lines. There's a three-phase line at the street and the substation is within a couple <br /> hundred feet of the end of the property. So both three-phase lines are close to a substation to <br /> help with those issues. I can't really answer whether the line coming off the array is single or <br /> three-phased. Duke actually wants a 90-degree angle off the wire coming into the site, I think <br /> they said about 120 feet. <br /> Beth Trehos: In conclusion, we believe that we have met the burden of proof that is required of <br /> us and we have provided substantial material to accomplish our task in demonstration <br /> compliance with the findings of fact we were required to make. Thank you for your time. <br /> Christen Smith: Good evening, my name is Christen Smith and I've been duly sworn. I am the <br /> Director of Public Policy at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. We wanted to <br /> enthusiastically express our support for this project. We have a chance for economic <br /> development, community improvement, and reputation building that comports with our <br /> community's values and commitment to the environment and sustainability. This is a local <br /> company that has put down roots here and has a great reputation at quality work throughout the <br /> state and in the southeast. You have a great partner. Strata Solar won the 2012 Business of <br /> the Year Award and has the Chamber's full trust and confidence. We are happy to comment <br /> and encourage you to support this project. This is a local company creating local green jobs <br /> with an economic impact and an increased use of renewables, showing again Orange County's <br /> commitment to sustainability. This is also a movement towards developing solar as a potential <br /> cluster??? in our economic development strategy. It is consistent with our expressed values of <br /> our commitment to the environment, our commitment to people and jobs, and our commitment <br /> to the economy. We are very excited to support this project. <br />