About Mariposa Energy Park
Mariposa is a utility-scale PV solar and energy storage project in Maricopa County, Arizona. The project has a capacity of 412 megawatts.
What Will Mariposa Look Like?
Through visual simulations, various elements of the project have been added to real imagery of the site.
Eco-Conscious Project
Mariposa Energy Park is being designed with the local wildlife and environment in mind.
Avoiding Riparian Corridors
Managing Run-off/Flood Patterns
Eco-Friendly Fencing
Frequently Asked Questions
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Qcells is a global leader in solar energy that has a strong track record of helping local communities meet their clean energy needs. Dalton, Georgia is home to our solar panel manufacturing facility, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. We offer a full range of solar solutions, from the core technology of solar panels to large-scale project development, construction and investment. We deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local regions.
We are proposing an solar plus energy storage project in Maricopa County, which would generate enough power for up to XX,000 homes. The project will combine solar panels with batteries on approximately X,000 acres adjacent to I-5 in Linn County, south of Harrisburg. XXXX
It has plenty of open space for the needs of a utility-scale solar project – and plenty of sunlight to power the panels. Qcells guarantees high performance of its advanced solar technology under real Maricopa County conditions, in winter or summer, under clear or cloudy skies, and in extreme weather. The proposed site also has easy access to existing energy infrastructure.
Utility-scale renewable projects add significantly to the surrounding tax base and support the development of local supply chains. Qcells is dedicated to finding opportunities for community partnerships with long-term benefits to the local community.
Solar energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, while increasing energy efficiency, diversifying the energy mix of the grid, supporting biodiversity and improving soil quality. Solar panels are an important tool in fighting climate change and help farmers protect their future crop yields from extreme weather conditions. This project was specifically designed for this site and will avoid all culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
This project was designed to minimize the impact on wetlands, waterways, native habitats and local species. When the project reaches the end of its lifecycle, the equipment will be removed and recycled, or reenergized. The land will returned to the landowners. Solar projects supports healthier soils during project operations that can be used for agriculture or other needs when the project is removed.
The project is located near high voltage lines and an existing substation, which minimizes the need for new infrastructure. The panels will be mounted on piles, minimizing the land disturbance.
This project will generate an millions of dollars in local tax revenue each year and support more than 200 jobs during the construction phase of the project. Construction workers on the project will also boost spending at local businesses.
We project the project to generate enough clean electricity to power up to XX,000 households. Modern solar panels are highly efficient in all weather conditions, even in the rain, and this project is being designed specifically for this site.
Solar projects do not leach chemicals or toxins into the ground during construction or while operating. During construction, steel piles are driven into the ground. The panels are hung on racks and mounted to piles. Trenches may be dug to run electrical and data cables. The modules are completely enclosed. When the project lifecycle is complete, any structures from the project will be removed, returning the land to its original state, as required by state law.
Qcells has designed this project specifically for this site. We have completed multiple studies that evaluate whether there is impact to: wetlands and waters, wildlife and habitat, raptor nests, rare plants, soils, cultural resources, and visual resources designated as significant or important. We are working on getting concurrence from agencies and their recommendations. During the permitting process, Qcells will also be evaluating the project for consistency with local land-use standards, compatibility with surrounding lands, and for other potential impacts related to geologic hazards, noise, glare, traffic and recreational and protected areas. Qcells has assembled experts in various fields to complete these studies. The studies are then reviewed and assessed by applicable government agencies at the local, state and federal level. The cultural resources study will also be reviewed by Tribal Governments. If impacts are identified that cannot be avoided or minimized, then potential mitigation or requests for additional work may follow. Studies will be included and published as part of the full permit application.
The state has high standards for decommissioning that require the project developer to return land to its prior condition after the useful life of a solar project. Qcells accepts responsibility for removal of equipment and returning the land to its prior condition. Our decommissioning process includes: advance planning with local authorities; covering removal costs prior to the start of construction; removing and recycling all equipment, roads and concrete to restore the land; decommissioning all electrical equipment; and collecting and recycling or disposing of all modules.
Qcells must meet the county’s land use standards, which are designed to protect land. As part of these requirements, we are completing several studies, including a soil assessment report. We are also designing the project in a way that minimizes impact and engages the community in the design and planning. For example, we are looking at plants that provide an aesthetic buffer to the solar panels. We have also mailed letters to all landowners within a half-mile radius to introduce the project, and request their input. Qcells is dedicated to finding opportunities for community partnerships with long-term benefits to the local community.