FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Vesper Energy? What other projects has Vesper Energy developed?

Vesper Energy provides innovative solutions to today’s complex energy challenges. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vesper Energy is comprised of professionals who have collectively delivered more than 10 GW of renewable energy projects globally. Today, Vesper Energy’s development pipeline includes over 55 renewable energy and energy storage assets with a generating capacity of 17 GW; enough to power more than 2 million homes. Working with their customers, communities, and business partners, Vesper Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects across the United States with the goal to build a better energy infrastructure. www.vesperenergy.com/about 

Why is Vesper Energy developing Ochoa Energy Storage in Katy?

We pursue projects where we have earned the trust of landowners and here in Katy, our partners are excited to be a part of this project that will provide numerous benefits to their local community. The landowners who entrust us with their land believe it's the best choice for their property and their family. Like many energy storage projects, Ochoa will be located directly next to an electrical substation and major electrical corridor, which makes energy storage the highest and best use of this land.

What benefits will Ochoa Energy Storage provide for the local area?

This project will create a new, long-term source of funding for the community, including significant benefits for area schools. The project will create jobs in Katy during construction and operations and may hire a variety of vendors and local services. Energy storage helps reduce or avoid price spikes and supply shortfalls for the surrounding area, creating a stronger, more reliable Texas grid. To learn more about energy storage benefits, please head to our Benefits page.

How many jobs are created for a project like Ochoa Energy Storage?

Ochoa Energy Storage is expected to create approximately 80 construction jobs. Once operational, the facility will also support 1 long-term maintenance position.

What will the project look like? Will there be visual screening for the benefit of the residents and property owners adjoining the project?

Ochoa Energy Storage will be on privately owned land, directly next to an electrical substation and a major electrical corridor serving the residents of Katy. Landscape screening will be used to minimize or eliminate visual impact of equipment.

Ochoa Energy Storage is committed to developing a vegetation management plan which adheres to state and local rules. Development of these plans would include consideration of the most appropriate plants for the area.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days and at night?

Solar panels generate the most power in direct sunlight, but they can also produce power using indirect or diffuse sunlight–so they still work on cloudy days, and in fact, rain helps to keep solar panels operating efficiently by keeping them clean!

What happens when the project is decommissioned?

Ochoa Energy Storage is committed to meeting or exceeding all local, state, and federal requirements regarding decommissioning at the end of the project’s lifespan.

How are solar panels disposed of?

The vast majority of solar panels installed in the U.S. are still within their operational lifespans (typically 20-30 years). As such, cost-effective opportunities to recycle solar panels are limited. However, this is an issue the solar industry is working proactively to address, and as more solar panels reach end of life in the coming years, opportunities to recover and recycle the materials in solar panels will expand. Details on panel recycling can be found in the United States Environmental Protection Agency website, at https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling.

Will local first responders and firefighters need additional training?

It is unlikely that a serious event will happen at the site. Vesper will work closely with the local fire department, during the planning phase of the project, to develop a comprehensive emergency management plan. We will provide training for safety personnel and comply with all fire standards.

Will the solar panels used at the Mystic Springs Renewable Energy project leak hazardous materials?

No. Vesper Energy is committed to only using solar panels that meet or exceed environmental safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These standards ensure that during normal operations-as well as in the unlikely event a solar panel is damaged-the panels will not release any substances or materials that are considered hazardous under federal law.

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes! Solar panels work well in cold weather. Snow and ice are also generally not an issue–small amounts of snow are usually blown off by the wind, or snow may slide off on its own because the panels are tilted at an angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Both help keep the modules clean throughout the winter season.

Are Li-ion batteries safe?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) use the same technology found in many widely used in consumer products, tools and electric vehicles, and well-designed BESS are safe and reliable. Fires involving BESS can occur, but only in extreme conditions. To reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of the system, each BESS is equipped with automatic fire suppression equipment, and its own air conditioning or cooling system to ensure it operates within the ideal temperature range. If a fire does occur, it is generally easily contained, and has only minimal, temporary impact on local air quality. Vesper Energy will work with local fire departments and emergency responders to ensure they have adequate training and equipment to respond to any safety issues that may arise.

Do Li-ion BESS contain hazardous materials?

The US EPA classifies and determines what qualifies as hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can range from liquids, solids, gases, or sludges and can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes. Recently, the US EPA released guidance requiring many types of lithium-ion batteries to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Ochoa Energy Storage is committed to following pertinent federal, state, and local disposal and recycling regulations. The high-quality Li-Ion batteries used for Vesper Energy’s BESS projects can be repurposed and reused in other utility-scale battery applications or downcycled and repurposed for other technology such as phones and tools. Each Li-ion battery unit is encased and compartmentalized to prevent any materials from interacting with the surrounding area. Ochoa Energy Storage is committed to following all relevant federal, state, and local regulations regarding environmental safety and will regularly review and update its policies to align with industry best practices.

Can the batteries be recycled?

Widespread adoption of BESS is still relatively new, so recycling opportunities are currently limited. However, the energy storage industry is working to develop recycling opportunities to meet future demand. Another option is to “downcycle” batteries and give them a second life in a different application when their performance falls below the level needed for a utility-scale power plant.

Do you want to learn even more about Energy Storage? Check out our Sources page for more resources.

Address:
125 E John Carpenter Hwy, Suite 525
Irving, TX 75062

Contact:
281-371-9550
info@ochoaenergystorage.com

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