Loadar Energy presents 4.65 MW solar plan at former Tower Rich Golf Course; commissioners press for pollinator, wildlife and stormwater safeguards

Loadar Energy representatives outlined a proposed 4.65 MW AC fixed‑tilt solar array sited on roughly 18 acres of a 119‑acre property north of the former Tower Rich Golf Course and adjacent to the Metacomic gun range. "The size of the system is 4.65 megawatts AC and it's a fixed tilt solar system," Sam, the project's developer, said, adding the project was awarded via Connecticut's Shared Clean Energy Facilities program with a 20‑year contract.

Jeff Nasel, who introduced himself as a Simsbury resident and co‑founder of Loadar Energy, said the team has a signed interconnection agreement with Eversource and expects the project to deliver more than $40,000 in tax revenue to the town. "We have a signed interconnection agreement," he said, and presenters told the commission they expect a Connecticut Siting Council decision this summer following a public hearing scheduled April 23.

Developers described mitigation and design measures meant to reduce environmental impacts. VHB engineer Steve Coaches said clearing is expected to be minimal — roughly 1–2.5 acres of tree removal — and that wetlands and adjacent forested areas will be respected with a 100‑foot no‑disturb buffer. "We've incorporated all the conservation measures proposed to us by the wildlife division into the plans," he said, and noted the project team obtained a letter of concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office for cultural resources.

Vegetation and agricultural planning were discussed in detail. Sam said the team submitted an agricultural plan to the Department of Agriculture because roughly 3.5 acres of mapped prime farmland soils overlap the northern portion of the array. The developers proposed establishing fescue and rye during construction, followed by native grasses and a pollinator seed mix, and described a delayed mowing strategy and routine maintenance. They said decommissioning will be covered by a posted bond and that roughly 95% of materials are expected to be recyclable at end of life.

Residents and commissioners pressed the team on pollinator strategy and the potential for an on‑site apiary. One resident argued domesticated honeybees can outcompete native bees and urged a native‑plant approach rather than an apiary; presenters said they are receptive to the town's preferences and will consult the Department of Agriculture before finalizing the seed mix. "We're completely comfortable without putting an apiary on site" if that is the town or agency preference, a developer said.

Noise, lighting and wildlife protections were also covered. Presenters cited acoustic modeling based on equipment spec sheets and said individual inverters are modeled in the low 60s dB at the source, with inverters and transformers located roughly 200–240 feet from the fence or property line and more than 1,000 feet from the nearest private residence. No nighttime lighting is proposed for the solar facility. Project fencing will be low to allow small fauna to pass (roughly six inches off the ground) while meeting electric code and safety requirements; the team described turtle sweeps, exclusionary silt fencing during construction and post‑construction inspection obligations tied to CTDEP stormwater permits.

Timing and construction: the presenters said construction is not expected this calendar year; with permitting and typical schedules they estimated construction could start about a year after approvals with a 6–8 month build time once mobilized, and potential commercial operation by the end of 2027 if approvals proceed on the anticipated timetable.

The commission said it will prepare written comments for the Connecticut Siting Council and the Department of Agriculture to incorporate in the final seed mix and conditions. Staff encouraged submitting a letter with the commission's recommendations before the Siting Council hearing.