FAQs

What is the impact of solar farms on farmland?

Using our land for solar farms does not negatively affect soil productivity. In fact, occasionally resting the land from production promotes sustainability in the long run, through select plantings under the panels and minimal commercial fertilizer applications.

Where does the power go?

The electricity goes to the benefit of the customer who pays for it and the county that makes it.

Once generated by a local solar or wind farm, the electricity goes to the same place that electricity generated from coal or natural gas goes – on the grid and from there to utility customers paying for electricity. Revenue flows back into the county in the form of lease payments to farmers, and property tax and economic development payments to the local government. These payments, amounting to millions of dollars, are often used by counties for school improvements, road repair, first responder equipment and training, and other local improvements.

Are solar panels safe?

Solar panel materials are enclosed and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air. Because of these safety features there is no threat of chemicals being released into the environment during normal use. Additionally, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety.

Where are solar panels made?

Opponents to renewable energy cite the importation of panels as a reason to be against solar farms, but the fact is that solar projects benefit Americans and denying solar hurts Americans.

Currently many solar panels, like many other products we use in everyday life, such as the smart phone you’re probably using to read this, are imported. We support transitioning to domestic suppliers and believe that transition will happen. In the meantime, local solar projects are benefiting American workers and communities. A study by a Ball State economist found that a typical 50-megawatt solar farm creates 477 jobs in Indiana. Many U.S.-based companies are in the solar supply chain, including 80 Hoosier companies. Local solar projects bring millions of dollars of private sector investment in rural communities, helping local farmers and small businesses on main street.

How is renewable energy land use compatible with agriculture?

Farmers are business owners and will use their land in the way that best serves their families and their operations. Some farmers grow food grade crops for ingredient use. Some farmers grow corn or soybeans that go into the energy sector and make ethanol, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel. Some farmers use their acreage to graze livestock or build confined feeding barns, or they might enroll less productive ground in USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Solar and wind are additional options, another way for farmers to support their families with their own land. Many farmers already engage in more than one of these options, and the rural economy succeeds when farmers have options for their businesses.

What happens in the case of a tornado or other severe weather?

Just like your cell phone, the panels are enclosed in tempered glass so they are designed not to shatter. If it breaks, the cracks spiderweb across: but, due to the tempering, it remains enclosed in the frame. Further, the solar farm, like any construction, will have to meet all applicable state and local building codes.

In the case of snow or ice, the panels are designed to absorb sunlight, so the snow or ice melts away quickly. As needed, the solar company will have the snow or ice removed.

What will happen to property values?

Experience in Indiana shows that property values do not decline from renewable energy projects. In fact, in a report prepared by the Benton County Assessor after more than a decade of renewable energy projects there, the assessor wrote: “In my opinion, based on the information gathered and sale prices of homes in the past couple of years, I cannot see a negative impact on the home values of the county’s economic growth.”

Can solar panels be recycled?

According to the Center for Energy Education, solar power is essentially carbon-free. As the solar industry matures and the first projects reach their end of useful life, the solar industry continues to work closely with recyclers across the United States on establishing comprehensive recycling programs which ensure re-use of as much material and equipment as possible. A PV panel has a life cycle of 20-30 years. Throughout its lifetime, the panel capacity does not diminish. 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.