MOBILE, Ala. (NBC 15) — The chief executive officer and co-founder of Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based company, that’s building a massive $300 million solar farm in Stockton is addressing concerns people have with the project. Reagan Farr says his company is purchasing 4,500 acres and putting solar panels that are made by First Solar in north Alabama on roughly 2,000 acres. It will generate 260 megawatts of energy that Alabama Power will use to power Meta’s new data center in Montgomery.

“Solar done right can be a tremendous attribute for the communities where we locate,” said Farr.

The decision to locate in rural Stockton near the Mobile-Tensaw Delta has shocked and upset many people who live nearby. Neighboring property owners say they don’t want to look out their windows and see thousands of acres of solar panels, where there’s now timber. Farr says while site plans aren’t finalized, they do try to leave visual buffers. One of the reasons he says they’re buying more than twice the amount of land they need is because they build around existing wetlands and don’t disturb them.

“We’re very used to designing around sensitive environmental areas, and take that very seriously as part of our environmental stewardship mission,” said Farr.

Farr says in almost every place they’ve developed a solar farm, people have formed a ‘Stop Solar’ group on Facebook. He says in these groups misinformation is spread about solar panels leaching toxic materials.

“There has never been one instance of solar modules from First Solar leaching toxic chemicals into the ground. That’s a complete myth. It’s bad information that’s out on the internet. I would also say, we design our plants, they’re engineered to withstand hurricane force winds,” said Farr.

Rob Hamilton, who is a spokesperson for the company, explained what the panels are made of in an email to NBC 15 News.

“Silicon Ranch usesthin film cadmium telluride (CdTe)photovoltaic panels. These panelsare not hazardousanddo not negatively impact soil, water, or human or animal health. Cadmium telluride isnotthe same as cadmium (Cd), which is toxic in its solitary form. When bonded with tellurium, cadmium becomes part of a highly stable crystalline compound. A helpful analogy is table salt—sodium chloride (NaCl)—which combines two reactive elements into a stable substance you likely use every day,” wrote Hamilton.

Silicon Ranch emphasizes the farm in solar farm. Farr says they produce two crops – renewable solar energy and pasture-raised lamb. Sheep graze, cut back the vegetation, and find shade under the solar panels. Farr says the Stockton site will also house livestock, either sheep or possibly cattle.

“We actually, as a renewable power company, own one of the largest flocks of sheep in the country, and definitely the largest flock of sheep that’s enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program,” said Farr.

In Georgia, the company created a gopher tortoise sanctuary and worked with the state department of natural resources to create a home for thousands of tortoises. Silicon Ranch produced a video highlighting a solar farm it developed in Hattiesburg, MS next to a retirement community and near a school. Farr says it shows how they can be good neighbors.

“These sites, once they’re built, they’re incredibly quiet. There’s no light. There’s no noise, and, you know, it’s basically a ranch. So, that’s really the only activity. There’s not a lot of traffic or anything,” said Farr.

Construction takes 12-18 months and the company plans to begin in 2027. The Alabama Public Service Commission approved Alabama Power’s contract with Silicon Ranch in December. Farr says next they will need a building permit from Baldwin County and will work with the Army Corps of Engineers for a storm water management permit.

“Now, we really are focused on designing the best plant possible for that location, and doing it in a way that’s environmentally responsible,” said Farr.

Concerned residents are hosting a town hall Monday night at 6:30 at the Stockton Civic Center. Farr says Silicon Ranch is planning on hosting one as well and will have representatives from First Solar there to answer questions. A date has not been set. In the meantime, the company encourages people to visit their website to find out more about their solar projects. The public is also encouraged to email the company directly with questions – community@siliconranch.com