Hello fellow solar enthusiasts and novices alike! It’s time we had a chat about large-scale solar development across the US, and more specifically, how the perception of these large-scale solar projects can be improved. You must be thinking: why is this essential? Well, perception plays a vital role in the community’s acceptance and adoption of solar arrays for home use or otherwise, which will later impact the number of solar companies thriving in any given locality.
We’re living in an era where renewable energy sources always seem front and center. Yes, I’m talking about solar. Say it again, solar. The United States has a lofty goal of hitting 100% clean energy by 2035 – a pursuit that will require the footprint of solar energy production to expand extensively across the country to the tune of about 10 million acres.
Our dreams of a solar-powered future is growing stronger every day, but not without encountering some resistance. The construction of large-scale solar projects, which can sometimes reach over 100 megawatts (that’s enough to power over 16,000 homes annually, FYI), might not always elicit a warm reception from neighboring communities.
This brings us to the crux of the matter – how do we, as a ground-breaking solar company or even as a solar-conscious individual looking to install solar panels for your home, ensure we are engaging these communities in a substantial way? The answer, as indicated by a study, is two-fold: better communication during planning and more opportunities for local participation.
The study – the first of its kind conducted by the Energy Markets and Policy (EMP) department at the Berkeley National Laboratory, in collaboration with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University – sought to understand the perceptions and attitudes of residents living in close proximity to large-scale solar projects. The preliminary findings were quite surprising.
For starters, fewer than one-fifth of residents surveyed knew about solar projects before they were actually built. Quite a significant oversight from all the solar companies involved, wouldn’t you agree? It was also noted that the residents were much more positive about the plants when they felt that the planning process went well – something that goes hand in hand with early communication.
On a brighter note (no pun intended), the study found that a large number of respondents would be in favor of solar companies setting up additional large-scale solar sites in their vicinity, provided the projects adhered to local land-use plans, addressed community needs, and were preferably located on disturbed locations, like old landfills, instead of lush farmlands.
A notable revelation from the survey is the importance given to information sourced from trusted agencies – university faculty and staff or non-profit organizations – over energy developers or state policymakers. This highlights the need for solar companies to partner with third-party advocates for transparency and to ensure active resident participation in solar project planning.
To sum up, the pathway to a solar-driven future must be paved with respectful and engaging relationships between solar companies, the local community, and other stakeholders. As more homeowners get solar panels for their home and large-scale solar arrays become more commonplace, this study serves as a valuable blueprint for all who champion solar and the impressive benefits it offers.
At the very least, it’s a reminder for me to work on building bridges with my neighbors before I show off my soon-to-be-installed solar array for my home. Until next time, keep shining my solar pals, the future is bright.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/06/21/utility-scale-solar-development-good-planning-makes-good-neighbors/
