A “quick” description of this incredible project and what you are seeing in the video:
Next Era Energy Resources has engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Sanford, Sanford Sewerage District and several private landowners to construct a 50-megawatt (MW) solar energy development at four locations within the City. The proposed project consists of four development areas connected by two collector lines and a point of connection to Central Maine Power’s (CMP) electrical transmission grid. The elements of the project are identified as:
- The Big Lot: The Big Lot is located on the undeveloped southern portion of the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport (SFM). Development of this area consists of a solar array, which is comprised of photovoltaic panels positioned on a combination of fixed-tilt racking systems and single-axis racking systems; electrical inverters and associated equipment pads; trenched collector lines; approximately 7,435 linear feet of 16-foot wide gravel access roads; and fencing around the perimeter of the developed portion of the project area. This portion of the project is approximately 108 acres.
- The Infield: The Infield is located between the two runways and taxiway of the Airport. Development within this triangular-shaped area consists of a solar array with photovoltaic panels positioned on single-axis racking systems; electrical inverters and associated equipment pads; trenched collector lines; and approximately 2,300 linear feet of 16-foot wide gravel access road. This portion of the project is about 45 acres.
- The Substation Parcels: The Substation Parcels include two lots of adjacent land that are developed as a single project located at the end of Cyro Drive in the City. Development of this area consists of approximately 660 linear feet of 20-foot wide gravel access road; fencing around the perimeter of the developed portion of the project area; a 97,500-square foot substation and switchyard; and the Point of Interconnection transmission line connecting the project to CMP’s existing 115kV transmission line.
- The North Parcels: The North Parcels include nine parcels of adjacent land that is developed as a single project. Approximately 0.75 miles northeast of the Substation Parcels, the North Parcels are located on the east side of Alfred Road (State Route 4) in the City. Development of this area consists of a solar array, which is comprised of photovoltaic panels positioned on fixed-tilt racking systems; electrical inverters and associated equipment pads; trenched collector lines; approximately 7,480 linear feet of 16-foot wide gravel access roads; and fencing around the perimeter of the developed portion of the project area. This portion of the project is about 113 acres.
- The Cyro Drive Collector Line: This line serves to connect the two Airport solar arrays to the Substation Parcels. The 9,577-foot long transmission line will run underground through the Airport and continue under Airport Road, Main Street (State Route 109), and a portion of Cyro Drive at which point the line will be routed on overhead lines that continue to the substation. This transmission line is sited on or over the existing developed areas.
- The Northern Collector Line: This line serves to connect the Northern Parcels to the Substation Parcels. Construction of the single-poled transmission line requires the clearing of a 3,685-foot long, 75-foot wide transmission corridor. Where this transmission line crosses the Mousam River, the transmission cable will change from an overhead line to underground to maintain the undisturbed riparian area on both sides of the river.
- The Point of Interconnection (POI) Transmission Line: Located entirely on the Substation Parcels, this approximately 700-foot long, 150-foot wide transmission corridor will connect the project to CMP’s transmission line which runs parallel to the property boundary of the Substation Parcels.