The Grange Good Neighbor Program
A few of the most common questions our team hears from neighbors to a newly proposed project are: “Will this benefit me directly?” “Can I get electric from the project?” “Will this lower my utility bill?”
Though neighbors and the broader community benefit from the project in many ways (new local investment, increased funding to local schools and services, improved area ecology, diversifying the local economy), we understand wanting to participate in financial benefits from the project even if you aren’t hosting the solar project itself.
To share direct financial benefits with project neighbors, Grange Solar has implemented a Good Neighbor Agreement Program. The details of this program are highlighted below. Our goal is to address concerns about the project and connect meaningfully with members of the community to ensure that Grange Solar delivers the maximum possible benefit to neighbors and the community. Critically, participating in the GNA program in no way limits your participation in the OPSB process or voicing any opinion (positive or negative) about the project at anytime to any person or organization. We just ask for the opportunity to work with you to resolve concerns and to make this project better for you, your neighbors and the Indian Lake community.
Grange has also launched a GNA for owners of nearby agricultural ground. We recognize the importance of fully functional drainage systems, stormwater and erosion controls, and piece of mind that your operation will not be negatively impacted by the Project being installed nearby. This GNA is geared toward collaborating on and delineating responsiblity for shared drainage infrastructure. We will be reaching out by mail and holding events specifically for nearby agricultural landowners to work through questions and concerns about the Project and how we can work together to find mutually beneficial solutions.
The Facts About the Grange GNA for Nearby Residents
Grange Solar is offering a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) to outline the project’s commitments to adjacent Neighbors.
The GNA pays $500 at signing, plus:
Pays $5,000 for landscaping on the owner’s property within 60 days of the Project’s permit becoming final and non-appealable
Pays either a $20,000 Home Solar Payment to support the adoption of clean energy or annual $1,250 Electric Bill Offset Payments for up to 40 years.
Commits to certain minimum design elements (such as setbacks and landscaping) regardless of the permit requirements
Participating Neighbors provide Grange Solar a chance to resolve any concerns that come up, and provide information on drain tile to assist in Grange Solar’s efforts to maintain good drainage.
The GNA does NOT include a “gag order” or non-disclosure provision (you can download it on our website) and Neighbors are free to disclose their participation and the details of the GNA. If you sign the GNA you are still free to express any opinion (positive or negative) in any format/medium to anyone you wish.
The GNA encourages Neighbors to participate in the permitting process and does not prevent the Neighbor from raising any question, concern, or complaint during at any time including the construction, operation, or decommissioning of the project.
GNA participation is voluntary and there is currently no deadline for qualifying Neighbors to sign up.
The Facts About the Grange GNA for Nearby Agricultural Landowners
Grange Solar is offering a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) to outline the project’s commitments to adjacent Agricultural Neighbors.
Drain Tile Assessment by project of existing tile
Construction methods and commitments
How repairs are performed
Communication and points of contact
Standards of work
Crop Damage Reimbursement
Opportunity to Review Drain Tile Plans
Participating Neighbors provide Grange Solar a chance to resolve any concerns that come up, and provide information on drain tile to assist in Grange Solar’s efforts to maintain good drainage.
The GNA does NOT include a “gag order” or non-disclosure provision (you can download it on our website) and Neighbors are free to disclose their participation and the details of the GNA. If you sign the GNA you are still free to express any opinion (positive or negative) in any format/medium to anyone you wish.
The GNA encourages Neighbors to participate in the permitting process and does not prevent the Neighbor from raising any question, concern, or complaint during at any time including the construction, operation, or decommissioning of the project.
GNA participation is voluntary and there is currently no deadline for qualifying Neighbors to sign up.
Contact Us To Learn More
We expect folks to have questions. Please let us know a few days and times that would work for you to connect by phone, virtual meeting, or in-person at our office.