While solar power’s ascendancy as a sustainable alternative to conventional energy is unchallenged, initiating large scale solar operations in open spaces is not without apprehensions. The mounting endeavour for solar power stems from our objective to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while fighting climate change concurrently. However, such projects come with their own unique issues
Expanding Solar Power Operations
Major solar companies are rolling out expansive sites dotted with numerous solar panels. These enterprises are contracted by power providers to supply energy derived from the sun, thereby ramping up their operations.
- A majority of the 27 municipalities in Lawrence County have adopted regulations anticipating the swift growth in commercial solar ventures.
- Municipalities enforce rules that mandate boundaries and shielding around large scale installations. Importantly, these legally binding regulations ensure that panels’ decommissioning and discarding processes are factored in after completion of every project spanning three to four decades.
Potential Drawbacks and Resistance
Likewise, stakeholders including property owners and residents harbour a few concerns related to large scale implementation of such projects,
- A variety of scenic farmlands occupied by huge arrays of panels can mar natural beauty.
- Potential threats to local wildlife coupled with a possible depreciation in property prices continues to worry many.
- “Afterlife” considerations of these technologically advanced devices still remain ambiguous once installed projects become unproductive over time.
Despite reservations, farmers view this alternative as an appealing financial proposal particularly if successors are unwilling to inherit farming responsibilities. Engaging lands for such projects could also keep lands productive, with the possibility of eventually restoring them to traditional farming practices after the panels’ removal.
Regulatory Responses at Municipality Level
Several municipalities have zoning ordinances that limit solar activities to specific areas. In instances like North Beaver Township, commercial solar initiatives are restricted only to industrial zones. This policy change consequently affected the aggressive leasing plans and campaigns of companies such as Vesper Energy.
Crucial Elements in Solar Interpretations,
- Spatial arrangement and space between plots
- Limits for panel height and land allotment coverage
- Irrigation management and traffic repercussions
- Battery storage considerations and site decommissioning protocols
In contrast, some municipalities, including Neshannock Township, encounter demands for amending regulations to allow such operations even within rural residential areas. However, such revisions often face contestations from township as well as county planning boards.
Municipalities’ Gains and Hurdles with Adopting Solar Power
The transition towards solar power offers numerous benefits for municipalities,
- Saving Costs: Over this period, relying on solar energy has become more economical than drawing power from grids for the majority of regions in this country. Savings can be redirected to other areas requiring financial input within their budgets.
- Growth Opportunities: Presently employing more than 250 thousand individuals,the solar industry offers great potential with a myriad of jobs proliferating across various sectors ranging from manufacturing to installation.
- Economic Improvements at the Local Level: Embracing solar power can be instrumental in stimulating local economies with a cleaner energy approach while also elucidating constituents on renewable energy benefits.
- Sustainability: The adoption of solar energy reassures municipalities about achieving sustainability targets by curbing fossil fuel consumption.
- Resilience: Concurrently using solar power with storage projects can help municipalities prevent disruption in services during power shortages. Ensuring protection during crises for residents at risk.
Setting Up Municipal Solar Projects
Municipalities can opt to install solar panels at single or multiple locations. There are two major ownership models: direct and third party.
Direct Ownership, Municipalities cover costs independently for all solar PV equipment – thereby taking full control of the financial returns from the produced electricity.
Third Party Ownership, Another entity owns the panels and charges the municipality for electricity generated. Payments are distributed between utility companies and third party owners of solar devices under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) arrangement, which is widely followed.
Municipality Solar Projects’ Factors of Consideration
A few pertinent issues need to be deliberated while planning such municipal projects,
- Tax Exemptions’ Status: The Inflation Reduction Act 2022 supports municipalities with provisions for federal solar tax credits – rates fixed at 30% until 2032, with additional concessions granted for certain ventures.
- Project Duration: Owing to stakeholder involvement, it typically takes municipalities longer to install a system compared to individual homes.
- Constituent Participation: These installations present opportunities for authorities to educate citizens regarding the advantages of harnessing solar power.
Municipal governments can explore alternatives such as initiating local community driven cooperatives and implementing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. PACE helps residents finance energy enhancements – including installation of solar devices, which can be repaid within a short term and turn profitable from commencement.
Last Thoughts
While adopting solar power provides municipalities with remarkable opportunities, inherent challenges require careful attention through thoughtful planning and legislative measures. By reviewing all the parameters that impact solar projects, engaging in inclusive discussions with the community and maintaining landscape aesthetics through sustainable practices municipalities can effectively exploit sun power to facilitate local economies and create cleaner environments.
This post was originally published on 3rd party site mentioned in the title of this site
