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Minimal Community Sound Impact from Photovoltaic Solar Energy Projects

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The New York State Department of Public Service has issued an exhibit on the noise and vibration impacts of a photovoltaic solar energy project, known as the Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center. The exhibit highlights the minimal potential for community sound impacts from such projects, compared to other types of power generation facilities. A preconstruction noise impact assessment (PNIA) was conducted to assess the potential sound impacts, which included ambient sound level monitoring during the winter and summer of 2019. The study found that the nighttime sound levels were less than the daytime levels, indicating a diurnal pattern. The equivalent continuous sound levels (Leq) were calculated, and the 10th percentile sound levels (L90) were determined to be above the overall Leq by a difference of 11 dB to 27 dB.

Key Takeaways:

  • The potential for community sound impact from a photovoltaic solar energy project is minimal, compared to other types of power generation facilities.
  • The preconstruction noise impact assessment (PNIA) was conducted by RSG under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Kaliski and Mr. Eddie Duncan, Board Certified through the Institute of Noise Control Engineering.
  • The PNIA included ambient sound level monitoring during the winter and summer of 2019 at six representative locations throughout the Facility Site.
  • The nighttime sound levels were less than the daytime levels, indicating a diurnal pattern.
  • The equivalent continuous sound levels (Leq) were calculated, and the 10th percentile sound levels (L90) were determined to be above the overall Leq by a difference of 11 dB to 27 dB.
  • The construction of the Facility is proposed to take place from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
  • The duration of the construction phase for the Facility is anticipated to require approximately 18 months.

Statistics:

  • The ambient sound level monitoring was conducted at six representative locations throughout the Facility Site.
  • The nighttime sound levels were less than the daytime levels by an average of 5 dB.
  • The Leq sound levels during the winter and summer monitoring periods for all six sites are summarized in Tables 10 through 12 of the PNIA.
  • The difference between the overall Leq and overall L90 for each site ranged from 11 dB (in winter) to 27 dB (in summer).
  • The cumulative maximum modeled sound results of all primary road construction sources operating simultaneously near the closest receptor (Receptor ID 168) is 74 dBA.
  • The cumulative maximum modeled sound results of all primary substation and energy storage construction sources operating simultaneously near the closest receptor (Receptor ID 237) is 64 dBA.

Sources:

  • New York State Department of Public Service, Exhibit 19: Noise and Vibration
  • RSG, Preconstruction Noise Impact Assessment (PNIA) for the Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center
  • Institute of Noise Control Engineering
  • National Council of Acoustical Consultants
  • Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Roadway Construction Noise Model
  • Datakustik GmbH, Cadna/A software package

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