You have probably seen these large, utility-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems, commonly referred to as solar farms. Despite the many economic and environmental benefits of solar energy, there are still some myths and misconceptions circulating around.
A typical land lease for a solar farm is 20 to 25 years, and because the panels are not attached to any water system or other equipment, at the end of the lease, the land can be restored to its original purpose. Below are some other commonly asked questions and responses that explain why solar energy is a great opportunity. Links to information sources are also included.
Clean energy provides jobs for more than 415,000 Americans. Clean energy is set to become America’s dominant power source. Harnessing our world-class clean energy resources will play an essential role in strengthening the country’s economy and combating the climate crisis. From renewables to energy efficiency, clean energy offers a variety of employment opportunities. What’s more, those who might struggle to find work in rural areas now have more access to good paying jobs, such as those in solar farm construction.
Various provisions in the Internal Revenue Code support investment in utility-scale solar energy equipment. These provisions reduce the after-tax cost of investing in solar property, thereby encouraging taxpayers, businesses, investors, independent power producers, utilities, and other entities to invest in solar. Solar projects contributed an estimated $564 million in state and local taxes and land-lease payments in 2021 alone. For every dollar of renewable energy tax credit claimed, the state and local governments receive an amount of the tax revenue. This means that the renewable energy income tax credit resulted in significantly more money invested in our communities than the value of the credit.
Land can be reverted back to agricultural uses at the end of the operational life for solar installations. A life of a solar installation is roughly 20-25 years and can provide a recovery period, increasing the value of that land for agriculture in the future. Giving soil rest can also maintain soil quality and contribute to the biodiversity of agricultural land. Evidence suggests that the long-term effects of solar panels on farmland are minor and manageable, especially because decommissioning plans and budgets are standard in the initial project development phase and lease agreements. Additionally, by leasing a portion of land for solar, landowners gain a steady stream of income, and as a result, are able to keep the land in its original form during hard economic times.
The solar developer is responsible for decommissioning the solar farm in almost every case. Decommissioning plans and budgets are typically standard in the initial project development phase and lease agreements. Some counties require a decommissioning plan to be submitted as part of the permitting process for new solar PV ground installation projects. Some counties require such decommissioning plans to include the method to be used for ensuring that funding will be available for decommissioning. Some counties go even one step further by requiring solar PV developers applying for permits to provide some sort of performance guarantee in the form of a surety or decommissioning bond.
Clean energy can only stand to benefit and enhance your community. Utility-scale solar is a major economic contributor. The industry has invested nearly $133 billion in projects nationwide. Clean energy provides jobs for more than 415,000 Americans. The U.S. has enough installed clean energy to power 56 million American homes. Solar projects also contributed an estimated $564 million in state and local taxes and land-lease payments in 2021 alone. Clean energy avoids 86 million cars’ worth of CO2 emissions every year.
Analysis from the survey data in the source below shows that there has been no impact on sale price for residential, agricultural, or vacant residential land that adjoins the existing solar farms included in the study. Additionally, many farmers with solar installed on their land now have a sense of economic security because of the steady stream of income they receive from solar lease payments.
The most common type of solar panels are manufactured with crystalline-silicon, a non-toxic element, and currently make up 95% of the solar market. Solar panel materials are also enclosed and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air – meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety. Almost all solar PV panels are made of tempered glass, pass rigorous hail tests, and are regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
This is a common misconception. However, the United States EIA predicts that solar farms will only take up 3 million of the available 900 million acres of farmland in the US by 2030. The amount of land dedicated to solar needed to generate enough energy to power the entire country would occupy roughly as much space as coal mines currently take up. Additionally, it is possible to successfully combine solar electricity generation and agriculture on the same piece of land.
Because clean energy sources like solar and energy efficiency technologies don’t rely on fuel, there is much more price certainty. Solar and wind output is highly predictable, giving grid operators ample time to adjust to changes in output, unlike conventional power plants that can unexpectedly and suddenly trip offline. Clean energy generation also increases state energy resiliency and security as more energy is produced inside the state and does not need to be imported from other states or countries. Wind and solar energy also saves 113 billion gallons of water a year since they don’t need water for cooling, unlike thermal power plants, such as fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. Bonus: unlike traditional, fossil-fuel powered sources, the price of renewables continues to decrease – even as the technology improves.
Unlike fossil fuel energy sources, solar panels do not produce harmful emissions. There are no confirmed health impacts from solar panels at
levels encountered by the public. In fact, solar panels produce a lower electromagnetic field exposure than most household appliances, such
as televisions and refrigerators.
Solar power is essentially carbon-free. As the solar industry matures and the first projects reach their end of useful life, the solar industry is working closely with recyclers across the United States to establish comprehensive recycling programs that ensure re-use of as much material and equipment as feasible. A PV panel has a life cycle of 20-30 years. Throughout its lifetime, the panel capacity does not diminish, meaning panels installed in the early 1980s still perform at its original capacity. Even at the end of its life cycle, 90-95% of a PV panel is recyclable. The waste from retiring a PV panel is substantially less than what may be expected.
Utility-scale solar applies to large solar power installations that generate electricity to supply energy to the grid. These projects often span hundreds of acres and use photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal technology to convert sunlight into electricity for widespread use.
A solar panel consists of:
Utility-scale solar projects are often located in rural areas because:
1.Economic Development:
2.Environmental Benefits:
3.Landowner Opportunities:
No, utility-scale solar farms often help stabilize energy costs. By adding renewable energy to the grid, these projects contribute to reducing dependence on fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) regulates the decommissioning of utility-scale solar projects in North Carolina. All utility-scale solar projects are required to be registered with the NCDEQ and comply with the law’s decommissioning and restoration requirements. Decommissioning plans require:
Yes, solar farms are safe. The technology used is non-toxic, and systems are designed to meet strict safety and environmental standards. There is no significant risk of pollution or harm to the surrounding environment.
Developers conduct environmental studies to minimize impacts on wildlife and natural habitats. Buffer zones and wildlife corridors are often included in project designs to protect local ecosystems.
Utility-scale solar projects are subject to rigorous review processes, including:
A CBA is a contract between the solar developer and the community to ensure the project provides specific benefits, such as:
Stay connected by:
For more information about utility-scale solar and its benefits, contact:
Reginald Bynum, Jr – Community Engagement Director, Center for Energy Education (email) [email protected] (phone) 252-541-3004
Together, we can build a brighter, leaner energy future for our community!