On March 16, Vesper Energy announced the construction of the Firefly Solar Project, a proposed 200-megawatt utility-scale solar energy facility in North Beaver Township, Lawrence County

The project will generate $1.6 million in municipal, county, state, and school taxes each year, create over 300 jobs during construction, and provide nearly $10 million in total economic activity in Lawrence County annually over the 40-year lifespan of the project, according to an economic impact analysis released by Vesper Energy, the project’s developer.

“This project will create 315 jobs during construction and will provide a significant boost to local workers in construction trades, including equipment, operators, truck drivers, laborers, and electricians,” Baker said.

“The project will deliver significant local tax revenues, hundreds of construction-related jobs and increased economic activity for years to come,” said Erin Baker, Director of Development at Vesper Energy. “The lion’s share of these direct impacts will stay right here in Lawrence County. These new jobs will be available to area residents and Firefly Solar will support local schools and public services. The team has been working in the area for two years and we look forward to continuing our work with landowners and local officials to ensure Firefly Solar is built and will benefit Lawrence County.”

Economic Impact

The economic impact analysis projects that Firefly Solar will support 315 local jobs and $51.6 million into the Lawrence County economy during an 18-month construction period.

The project will also generate $8.7 million in new economic activity and $1.6 million in state and local taxes annually during operations over 40 years.

Landowner Payments

The analysis also shows that landowner payments provided by Vesper Energy will have a dramatic impact on the local economy.

In exchange for allowing the siting of solar panels and access roads on their land, landowners will be compensated with construction payments, as well as annual operational payments.

During construction, the increased household spending will generate $1.1 million in economic impact and contribute $110,470 in state and local taxes.

Over a 40-year span of Firefly Solar, landowner payments will generate approximately $26.7 million in economic output, support and sustain 186 jobs, and contribute $2.5 million in state and local taxes.

The analysis was conducted by Erie-based Parker Philips, Inc. The firm has extensive experience of measuring the impact of economic development projects across industry sectors.

The study utilized IMPLAN – market leading economic modeling software – to conduct the analysis on the Lawrence County economy and made conservative assumptions about local spending.

Click Here for the complete study.

Working With Landowners

The project website includes additional information about Firefly Solar, which has garnered the support of North Beaver Township farmers who have decided that solar development is the best use of their property.

Baker noted that Firefly Solar will work with a landscape designer to develop and implement a plan for evergreen-type vegetative screening in the project area to minimize or eliminate visual impact of solar equipment.

“Solar projects are ideal for many landowners because it allows their ground to stay in the family for generations. In addition, there is no air pollution, no water pollution, and no chemical emissions associated with solar energy generation,” Baker said. “Vesper Energy has made a commitment to landowners who want to participate in this project, and to the community, that we will deliver a project that will preserve the agricultural character of the community.”

Community Grants

Firefly Solar is committed to a long-term partnership serving the people of Lawrence County by offering a quarterly grant to aid academic, recreational, and community activities.

The Firefly Solar Community Grant seeks to provide community groups and organizations with funds to further their mission and hands-on work. Any local entity that meets the following criteria may apply for a grant.

Click Here for more information.

Vesper Energy

Vesper Energy, a renewable energy company that partners with local landowners to develop and operate solar and energy storage projects across the country, has successfully commercialized more than 680 MW of renewable energy projects in the U.S.

For more information, please contact info@fireflysolarpa.com  or visit the Firefly Solar Project website.

NewsClips:

-- Inquirer: Andrew Maykuth: Pennsylvania Oil Refineries Use Significant Amount Of Russian Crude Oil

-- The Atlantic: America’s Energy Security Is Falling Apart - No Matter How Much Oil/Gas The U.S. Drills, We Are Dangerously Dependent On International Market Whims

            “Today, America is the world’s largest oil and gas producer, but instead of winning us energy independence, this distinction has made the country dangerously dependent on market whim.

“No matter how much oil the U.S. drills, crude prices are still set on the international market—so when Russia invaded Ukraine, oil prices in America soared.

“This point alone invalidated the central principle of energy independence, that suburban F-150 drivers should not have to pay more at the pump because someone else started a war.”

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[Posted: March 16, 2022]

3/21/2022