Solar Farms in the Community

Watertown Solar Project is a proposed renewable energy project on approximately 550 acres in Sanilac County, Michigan. The Project, located on private land southeast of Sandusky, MI, in Watertown Township, is proposed for development by Samsung C&T America. When operational, the 182 mega-watt project will generate enough clean energy to power up to 20,000 homes each year.

What is Solar Glare?

Solar Panel Glare may occur when an observer sees a direct reflection of the sun caused by a mirror-like reflection from the surface of a solar panel.
Samsung conducted a glare analysis of the Watertown Solar Project to verify that solar panel glare would not impact the surrounding the residents and businesses. Nineteen locations around the Site were evaluated for Glare, including Sandusky City Airport and Cowley Field. Based on the analysis, the glare produced from this Site will be minimal and not result in a nuisance for the surrounding community.

How does Watertown Solar plan to mitigate glare?

  • The use of vegetative screening buffers.
  • The use of anti-reflective coated panels.
  • The large setbacks applied through out the project.

Noise Impact Assessment

A background noise study was conducted in May 2021 at two locations to determine a baseline of ambient sound in the vicinity of the Project.
An acoustic model was developed to calculate expected operational sound levels. Studies confirm the Project will comply with the local ordinance regulations.

  • Solar plants only produce energy in the daytime; there will be no noise emissions at night from the tracking motors or inverters.
  • Noise producing equipment at a solar facility is limited to inverters and transformers.
  • To achieve noise level goals, sound producing equipment was placed strategically to minimize sound outside of the facility.
  • Preliminary noise modeling confirms compliance of the proposed facility with with the local ordinance regulations.

Common Noise Levels dBA