Lacombe Solar Project

This location was chosen because it has strong solar energy potential, with high levels of sunlight throughout the year. Additionally, the site is close to existing electrical infrastructure, making it easier to connect the solar farm to the grid. Other factors, such as minimal environmental impact and landowner interest in leasing the property also played significant roles in selecting the site location. 

Thanks to the incorporation of agricultural activities between the solar panels and on the surrounding land, there will be new opportunities for local agricultural producers.  An agreement It will contribute to the local economy through increased property tax revenues, which can support public services.  In addition, through an agreement EQUS REA, a portion of the power from the project will be used to offset electricity bills for residents nearby to the project. 

During construction, workers are needed for tasks such as site preparation, panel installation, and electrical work. Once operational, the solar farm requires technicians for monitoring, repairs, and vegetation management. Because the Lacombe Solar Project will feature co-existence between solar and crops, there will also opportunities for local farmers and agricultural producers who are interested in utilizing the unique benefits that “agrivoltaics” (agriculture + photovoltaics) can provide. Projects may also create indirect jobs in supporting industries like transportation and local services.

While the appearance of open land will change, efforts will be made to minimize visual impacts through thoughtful design and, where appropriate, vegetative screening (planting mature trees and bushes). reconcept is committed to working with the community and the nearest residents to the Project to address concerns about visual impact.

The Project will include setbacks from wildlife features such as nests and wetlands.  In January 2025, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) issued a low-risk rating for the Lacombe Solar Project in their Renewable Energy Referral Report. 

A Solar Glare Hazard Assessment (SGHA) is being completed to ensure compliance with AUC Rule 007.

During operations, the main sources of sound are inverters and transformers, which produce a low hum that is typically inaudible beyond the project boundary. Construction activities will create temporary noise, but this will be limited to standard working hours to minimize disruptions to the community. A Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) is being completed to ensure compliance with AUC Rule 012. 

The risk of fire is very low, as modern solar panels and electrical equipment are equipped with safety features such as automatic shutdown systems in the event of a fault. Regular maintenance and monitoring help further reduce any potential risks.

Materials like steel foundations, solar panels, or electrical equipment will be recycled whenever possible.  Our lease agreement with the landowner includes security for these costs up front, even if the Project company goes out of business. 

The Alberta Government has put in place Conservation and Reclamation (C&R) Regulations under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (Alberta Regulation 115/1993). As these regulations may be revised, reconcept will follow the most up-to-date regulations at the time of decommissioning. A detailed C&R plan will be submitted to the county and AUC as part of our AUC application.

Public open houses, information sessions, and progress updates will provide opportunities for residents to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback. Reconcept is committed to hearing all community feedback and making changes to the Project that align with local input wherever possible.

Please see the preliminary schedule for more information. 

Electricity generated by the Project will be distributed to homes, businesses, and industries across Alberta. This clean energy helps diversify the province’s electricity supply and supports the transition to more sustainable energy sources. 

Subsidies from local governments or the provincial government are not expected for the Lacombe Solar Project.  Renewable energy projects are eligible for Clean Technology Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) from the federal government, which provide up to a 30% tax credit for the capital costs of the project.  You can read more about the ITC here.

Solar farms are designed to work alongside existing electrical infrastructure and provide additional renewable energy to the grid.  The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) ensures that all energy projects, including solar, are integrated in a way that maintains safety and reliability.

Generally, it has been found that there are no effects on property values for agricultural lands, but that residential properties can potentially experience property value impacts due to visual impacts of solar projects on residential viewscapes.  Studies conducted for other projects in the province have estimated the impact to be in the range of 0-5% for residential properties.  The use of visual screening and buffers offer potential mitigations to these impacts.