Rattler Solar Center

The project will feature approximately 210,000 PV solar panels that will follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, maximizing clean, emission-free energy production. When the solar facility is operating at peak production, it will quietly generate enough carbon-free energy annually to effectively power roughly 23,000 average-sized homes. 

During construction, the project will employ up to 220 workers at peak operations. On average, 150 workers will be on-site during site preparation and construction over a 12-month period. The workers will support the local economy by frequenting businesses, restaurants and hotels.

The project will increase tax revenue for Hernando County, which may provide resources for public services and initiatives.

The project location was carefully selected based on many considerations, including the availability of a large, flat parcel, proximity to existing transmission infrastructure, land cover, land use, visual resources, reliability and cost.

Yes. Utility-scale solar has been generating safe, clean, reliable electricity for decades. There are no known adverse health effects associated with the operation of solar energy facilities. These panels have been tested for durability under a variety of conditions, including hurricane-force winds and fires. 

The solar facility is designed to minimize visual impacts using fencing and a vegetation buffer. The maximum height of the solar panels is approximately 9 feet – similar to a one-story building. 

Our team has identified what vegetation clearing is needed to accommodate access and equipment for the installation of the new lines, the removal of the existing ones and the ongoing reliable and safe operation of the line. Most of the vegetation and tree clearing will be done in city road right of way. We are working with property owners where vegetation or tree clearing may be needed outside the road right of way.

Utility-scale solar facilities operate quietly, and we design our sites with the motorized equipment positioned away from project boundaries to minimize noise. During the construction phase, you will hear normal construction noises such as vehicles, heavy equipment, and clearing or grading activities. We will comply with applicable local noise regulations and designated construction hours.

Based on ecological and cultural assessments, no adverse impacts are expected. A threatened and endangered species assessment has been completed by a third-party environmental consultant who concluded that the only known federally listed threatened or endangered species on the site are gopher tortoises. Prior to the start of construction, all appropriate surveys and permits will be obtained to safely relocate these tortoises. 

The duration of construction of the solar project is approximately one year. There are phases of construction that may create temporary disturbances that we will work to minimize. This may include noise from increased vehicle traffic, installation of interior gravel roads, tree and brush clearing, debris burning, heavy equipment and other construction activities. Construction is typically performed during daylight hours with potential weekend activity. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and be completed by late 2025. Once completed, there will be little noise or traffic impacts on neighbors.

Solar facilities are generally operated remotely by Duke Energy. The use of a Florida-native grass seed is an effective approach for helping to ensure the grass will survive hot weather with no irrigation system required and reduces the need for mowing to approximately 10 times per year. 

Duke Energy is committed to being accountable and environmentally responsible for all the solar facilities it owns. A typical utility-scale solar facility operates reliably for approximately 35 years. We’ve adopted a comprehensive approach and process for decommissioning each Duke Energy-owned solar site. This process helps us restore sites to their original condition, and the materials used in the construction of the solar arrays are reused, resold, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner – and in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.