Solera Energy proposes 3.4 MW solar array at Groovette quarry for APAC; planners ask for buffer and shading details

Representatives for Solera Energy told the Benton County DRC they plan a 3.4‑megawatt ground‑mounted solar array on a quarry near Groovette to power APAC's plant and grinders. The applicants said they have worked with Carroll Electric on net‑metering arrangements and described the site as a cleared area within a wooded parcel; they said the panels will be sited to avoid shading.

9‑1‑1 administration assigned the parcel address 16264 Rocky Lehi Hollow Road for permitting and cautioned on spelling, noting the local name 'Rocky Dell' uses two l's. Building safety staff said the electrical portion will require permanent inspection and requested specification sheets before inspection.

Planning staff pressed for precise information about the distance from panels to trees and to the fence line because solar contracts contain shade restrictions; project representatives estimated panel‑to‑vegetation clearances of roughly 75–100 feet, pending exact calculations. Staff noted that standard vegetative buffer guidance calls for 15–25 ft depth with multi‑tier plantings in typical cases, but said they would verify whether existing vegetation around the quarry could satisfy buffering requirements once the applicant provides exact panel‑to‑tree/fence distances.

The applicant agreed to provide the requested buffer and shading calculations by Friday and to coordinate with the county's permits contact prior to the planning board review. No formal decision or vote was taken; staff will follow up on the buffer distances and the required specification sheets for electrical inspections.