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This is a project just completed in Orange County. This is the White Cross Solar Farm. This <br /> gives you an idea of—that's just a pretty good perspective of what panels look like and how we <br /> follow the existing contours. I feel like that's been very positively received in the County - The <br /> White Cross Solar Farm. The panels are polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cell panels. As you <br /> just saw, they are flat blue in color. Sun hits the panels, hits really what is very similar to <br /> computer chip material, and that creates a small amount of DC current. Each one of those <br /> panels is like a giant tributary. It's sort of like water coming down a mountain. The DC current <br /> accumulates in this tributary system. It's converted to AC current in each one of these inverters <br /> and then the transformers convert it to exactly the same power that's in the Duke Energy local <br /> lines. This is a completely passive system. There is not fuel; there is no waste; no emissions; <br /> no noise; no moving parts; no operator. It's a truly passive renewable energy system. <br /> We are required to obtain, from the North Carolina utility commission, a certificate of public <br /> necessity and convenience for each plant. We've obtained probably 70 of these at this point. <br /> And it is the policy— it is the public policy of the state of North Carolina to promote renewable <br /> energy. The power is sold to Duke Power under a long term 20 year power purchase <br /> agreement contract. That contract is also regulated by the utility commission, and the projects <br /> are financed through a combination of tax credit investors and the income from these power <br /> purchase agreements. We will of course obtain all necessary DEANR permits, DOT permits <br /> and a local electrical permit. We don't usually get a building permit, because we don't really do <br /> any construction. The project will not impact municipal services, schools, utilities. A typical <br /> project is surrounded by either the installed buffers Mr. Harvey spoke about, or has existing <br /> buffers, and those buffers are generally subject to conditions that you all could set. At the end <br /> of the 20 or 30 years, if the project is extended, they are easily removed, and the site is put back <br /> to— close to - its original condition, and in general, the salvage value exceeds the removal. <br /> This - I think Mr. Harvey had a better map—shows the location of the project, and it's <br /> surrounded by a variety of uses - I believe within the center—in a long range plan area- <br /> designated area for commercial development. These are some of the uses around the facility <br /> and things that we think create a similar impact- a large scale single family residential <br /> development; a manufacturing facility; warehouse; there is a public works facility adjacent to the <br /> site; a large school facility. Mr. Kirkland will speak in more detail about this, but solar farms are <br /> low impact developments. They create no noise, no emission, no odor, no hazardous materials <br /> and almost no traffic—one trip a month to maintain the site. They are much lower in height, <br /> traffic, noise, light, etc. than most other development. They are literally dark at night. We don't <br /> propose any lighting on this sight. It is a passive use and it generally harmonizes with adjacent <br /> uses and it establishes the certainty of a long term, low intensity use. Our engineers will speak <br /> to the following issues in general. This project will not endanger the public health or safety. The <br /> project will meet all of your codes. The project will generate less than trip per month, and no <br /> utilities are required or used. <br /> In conclusion, these are your general SUP conditions, and we would just like to close by saying <br /> that we feel like we are going to present evidence that we meet all three of these conditions. <br /> The use will maintain or promote the public health, safety and general welfare. The use will <br /> maintain or enhance the value of contiguous property, and the use is a public necessity. And <br /> the location and character of the use is in harmony with the area, and in compliance with your <br /> comprehensive plan. Thank you very much. If you have any questions, I would be glad to <br /> answer them. <br /> Dave Neill: Mr. Iannone, in the Board's package, under tab one is a document titled, Affidavit of <br /> Louis Iannone. Is this your statement? <br />