cradle solar
Brazoria County, TX
Project Overview
Cradle Solar Energy, LLC (“Cradle Solar”) is developing a 200-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility in Brazoria County, TX. The facility is located on approximately 1,600 acres of privately-owned land approximately 35 miles south of Houston. Cradle Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for Brazoria County and local schools, and generate emission-free renewable energy with minimal impact to the land and the surrounding community.
Project location
Timeline
Community Involvement
As a dedicated member of the community, Cradle Solar will work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our involvement will go well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders and property owners. Throughout the life of every project, we are involved with we pride ourselves on being fully transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback.
About Us
Cradle Solar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company building a sustainable future for all. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 26 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 2,700 megawatts of generating capacity and is actively developing and contracting a robust pipeline of new renewable energy projects. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of the largest defined pension plans in Canada, with C$124.2 billion in net assets (as at December 31, 2022). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
Cradle Solar Project Fact Sheet Download Here
Solar frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the solar facility look like?
The Cradle Solar facility will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the project site will be fenced for security and safety.
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as Cradle Solar is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks and professional landscaping will also be used to mitigate visual impact.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Solar panels at Cradle Solar are manufactured with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Cradle Solar will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the Project’s life?
At the end of the life of the project, Cradle Solar will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use.
How will development of the solar facility affect my community?
Construction brings new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Brazoria County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to the local tax authority and provide clean energy in Texas.
complaint resolution
If you have a question, concern, or complaint about any aspect of the Cradle Solar facility, you can call the project phone line @ 928-298-2028 or complete the form below. If you choose to register your concern by phone, please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form.
Contact
If you have additional questions about Cradle Solar, please fill out the form below or contact us at info@cradlesolartx.com
