How Solar Works

The White Tail Solar Project proposes a simple design that is light on the land and minimizes soil disturbance.

Solar panel size compared to truckThe panels and equipment will be located on about one third of the project area, with the balance of the site open. The modern crystalline silicon PV solar panels that will be used are about as tall as full-grown corn.

In addition to being low to the ground, solar-generating facilities do not produce any emissions, are quiet, and do not create odors, harmful byproducts or toxic substances.

How the panels work

The panels that will be used by the White Tail Solar Project are slightly larger versions of the panels used on home and commercial rooftop systems.

These panels will be arranged on racks that rotate to track the sun and may incorporate a recent technological advance, allowing generation of energy from light on both the front and the back of the panel. These “bi-facial panels” are especially useful in the Midwest, where they capture light reflected by snow.

The solar panels will be mounted on racks attached to steel posts that have been driven into the ground. Rows of panels spaced about 18-26 feet apart will be arranged along a north-south axis, and the panels will rotate from east to west throughout the day to capture the sun’s energy.

A Community-First Approach

A strong partnership with local residents is key, which is why Ranger Power takes a community-first approach by directly engaging residents through personal outreach. While the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing in-person community meetings and forums, Ranger Power is still available to answer questions over the phone or by email.