Clearway Energy is honored to contribute to the well-being and growth of Cherokee County through the development of Rainbow Springs Solar. To ensure we’re being responsible to the local community, our landowners and their neighbors, we’ve committed to four legally binding agreements with the county that:
- Boost the county budget
- Protect property rights
- Repair and restore roads
- Guarantee the land is returned to its natural state
With countywide zoning currently under consideration by Cherokee County leaders, these agreements provide an alternative that enforces certain requirements for the solar farm only, without imposing new restrictions on how other residents use their property.
a win for landowners and the entire County
“These agreements ensure landowners can make their own decisions, while the entire county benefits from budget boosts, infrastructure funding, and stable revenue for decades to come.”
— Josh Framel, Rainbow Springs Project Developer, Clearway Energy
the four legally binding Commitments
1. $38 Million Budget Boost for Cherokee County
Rainbow Springs Solar will provide a $5 million direct contribution to the county over 10 years, plus $3+ million annually in new tax revenue after the first 10 years. That’s a total of $38 million for roads, schools, public safety, and other priorities over 20 years — without raising taxes.
2. Protecting Property Rights
We’re applying self-imposed zoning rules to our project only, so your freedom to control your property is untouched.
The development agreement includes enforceable limits on:
- Setbacks
- Height
- Sound levels
- Vegetation preservation
- Emergency management
3. Repairing Roads at No Cost to You
Any public roads used during construction will be fully repaired and restored — paid for by Rainbow Springs Solar, not taxpayers — in coordination with the county road superintendent.
4. Restoring the Land When the Project Ends at no cost to county or taxpayer
At the end of the project’s life, Rainbow Springs Solar will:
- Remove all equipment
- Recycle materials
- Vegetation preservation
All funded by a dedicated decommissioning fund — meaning no cost to landowners or taxpayers.
Read the development agreements:
Development Agreement
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