Project Basics

  • This location offers abundant sunshine and proximity to the existing San Manuel Substation, which will connect to the project to the regional electric grid. It is also providing new life and generating economic value from the land previously used by the San Manuel Copper Mine.

  • The Ore Town solar project would connect to Arizona’s electric grid, improving grid resiliency throughout the region. While the project has not contracted with an energy buyer or utility yet, it is estimated to provide enough clean energy to provide power for approximately 35,000 Arizona homes.

  • Ore Town Solar would create jobs and offer a massive boost to local tax revenue without requiring the community to incur costly new services. This infusion of tax resources, estimated to generate tens of millions over the project’s operating life, could provide essential funding for services like education, fire districts, and emergency services. Additionally, the project is expected to create over 200 peak construction jobs, with local hires prioritized.  

     Avantus is also committed to being a good neighbor, which means taking the time to understand San Manuel's values and needs and identifying opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. For past projects, we have partnered with local organizations to support educational programs, community facilities and events, toy drives, and more. Here in San Manuel, we are working to replicate that level of partnership by working with local non-profits and community groups. We welcome your ideas on how we can get involved! Contact us here.

    Finally, the project will advance grid stability and energy independence for Arizona and Pinal County, providing locally generated power to the electrical grid and helping to reduce the risk of power outages during times of high energy demand (think hot summers when air conditioners are blasting). The associated battery system will store the solar energy to be dispatched to the grid at optimal times.

  • We believe viewsheds will be minimally impacted given the solar equipment has a low-profile, around 6 to 10 feet tall, or about the height of a privacy fence. The battery systems resemble the size and shape of standard shipping containers. View visual simulations.

  • Construction could begin in 2026 and typically extends 12-18 months. The actual start and end dates of construction may vary depending on many factors.

  • Avantus is a leading solar and storage developed founded in 2009. We have over a decade of experience building safe, high quality and sustainable projects across the Southwest and California.

  • During construction, we expect our crew will generate some noise and add cars/trucks to certain roads, and we will aim to minimize those potential impacts.

     As always, we aim to be respectful of our neighbors and aim to keep construction noise to a minimum. All site activity is subject to and will comply with local noise and building ordinances.

  • BHP owns the land the project would be sited on. With the mine now closed, the company is hoping to repurpose the land in a clean and economical way. 

Economics

  • No. Local electricity rates are not expected to be directly impacted by this project.

  • No. In fact, the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. Throughout construction, the project will create new job opportunities, and provide a boost to local restaurants and business. Over the project’s operating life, it’s expected to generate significant local and state tax revenues to fund essential public services like education, fire districts and emergency services.

  • We prioritize local workers whenever possible. Please visit this website periodically for updates about future job fairs. 

  • Independent studies conducted by professional real estate appraisers across the United States have found that solar farms have either a negligible or even slightly positive impact on the property values of nearby residences.

Environment

  • According to research literature, there is nothing to indicate the project would significantly increase air temperature in neighboring residential areas.

    There may be a slight increase in temperature by a few degrees immediately above or adjacent to the panels during the day, however increased temperatures are shown to quickly dissipate with distance from the solar panels. Solar arrays consist of photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on aluminum and steel support structures, capturing the sunlight that would normally fall to the ground surface.

  • Solar panels are designed to operate safely for 35 years or more. Panels are manufactured using hardware similar to smartphones, computers and televisions with any potentially hazardous substances securely sandwiched between layers of tempered glass or plastic.

    Researchers from several national laboratories and universities have studied the soil and water near solar plants and found no levels of toxicity that present risks to nearby ecosystems.

  • No. Solar projects are highly water-efficient and use a small fraction of the resources required for commercial and residential on equivalent acreage. The biggest use of water will occur during construction to suppress dust. After construction, water will be used to remove dirt and dust from the solar panels and in other routine O&M activities, when necessary. 

  • Avantus has a positive track record with local, state, and federal wildlife agencies as well as with environmental organizations. We have conducted an extensive literature review and on-the-ground biological surveys within the proposed project area, and no threatened or endangered species were detected during the surveying period. We design each project to avoid or professionally manage potential impacts to native plants and wildlife and will continue to monitor the site for sensitive species and general wildlife use leading up to and during construction.  

Safety

  • There is no evidence of any significant health risks resulting from solar farms. Solar panels do emit low levels of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), comparable to a cell phone, microwave, TV antenna, radio signals and other common electronics.

  • Dust control methods, including applying water to active roadways, would be used throughout the construction period to reasonably minimize airborne dust and potential impacts.

  • Solar plants can operate reliably in any climate – they are very durable and built to perform safely in extreme temperatures, high winds, heavy rains, hailstorms, snow and ice build-up. All panels are subject to rigorous testing and certification standards.

  • After the project life has been completed, the equipment would be removed and the land available for other uses. The project will have contractual agreements with the landowner and county that address the decommissioning of the plant and restoration of the land.

  • Batteries are present in every part of our lives, from mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles to toothbrushes and lawn mowers. Energy storage projects that power the electric grid, homes, and businesses use the same core technology as the battery that powers the phone in your pocket, just at a larger scale.

    Because we rely on batteries in so many ways, these technologies have some of the most well-established safety features. And, like any part of our electric system or consumer products, energy storage projects must meet rigorous codes and standards.

    At every stage of a project, from manufacturing to operation, the industry uses a variety of strategies to keep these projects safe. Energy storage facilities operate with a safety record consistent with the other technologies we rely on every day for electricity.

  • Avantus takes proactive steps to avoid, reduce, and mitigate potential fire risks in collaboration with national standards committees, Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, and guidelines laid out by the National Fire Protection Association.

    At the local level, we will coordinate closely with the San Manuel Fire District throughout the design, construction, and testing phases to ensure the project adheres to safety standards.

    Avantus and project partners will prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan and will train all first responders on emergency procedures for a solar power plant and energy storage system. 

    The project will be monitored for any warning signs of potential issues. In the unlikely event of a fire, batteries are designed to prevent a spread beyond the project site. Projects include a minimum 100-foot clearance between battery containers and other buildings, public roads, and combustible material such as vegetation. This buffer also helps protect against high winds or wildfires.

Additional Questions?