You may find yourself wondering, How bad can solar really be? While the media is quick to tout the positives of solar energy, there are many negatives as well. Especially when installed on agricultural land. While we encourage you to do your own research, here are just a few of the reasons why we are fighting to keep Utility Scale Solar Power Plants out of our township. 

During construction, air pollution is increased. Dirt particulates in the air increase as a result of increased traffic on our back roads needed to access solar sites. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems  (Particle Pollution | Air | CDC) (Road dust and its effect on human health: a literature review - PMC (nih.gov)

Instillation of utility scale solar power plants are detrimental to the environment. Farms are grated to be flattened and wooded areas removed to install panels on flat land. Grating the ground can interfere with the water shed and cause flooding in nearby properties and runoff into local waterways. Clear cutting of trees eliminates the habitat of thousands of animals. (Georgia couple awarded $135.5M for polluted land and water | AP News) (https://www.popsci.com/environment/solar-farm-construction-epa-water-violations/)(Solar Farms Threaten Birds - Scientific American)

An increase in the ambient noise, above a certain level, can cause adverse health issues. During construction, the noise can be quite loud, for many hours during the day. Once the construction is done, the inverters will continue to make a buzzing sound. If the volume is above a certain decibel, it can cause sleep disturbances and could permanently affect ones hearing. (Rand_to_Riga_Planning_Commission.pdf (iiccusa.org))

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation from the panels can affect ones health. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other health issues have been reported in those who live close to solar power plants. Especially in those who are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. (What are the Health Risks when Living Near Solar Farm Places in 2022? | EMF Risks (emf-risks.com))

Utility scale solar power plants lower the property values of homes around them. Homes located close to large solar power plants tend to see a decrease in value. The unsightliness of large solar power plants makes those homes less desirable. The plants also make noise that many people find to be annoying.  

The local economy could begin to suffer. Seed, fertilizer, and soil amendment sales are something that brings a lot of money into the local economy. Large machinery repair for tractors is also something that draws money in. If the land is used for solar, no seeds, amendments or fertilizer will be bought, and the tractors will not need serviced because they are not being used to farm. Businesses like the Mill will be hit very hard. In addition, damage to the local roads could fall back on the responsibility of the township to pay for. (Wind-Farm-Back-to-the-Drawing-Board.pdf (iiccusa.org))