Comments on: Solar Projects on Farmland Meet Community Opposition in the Midwest

By: Denise Centeno

Denise Centeno — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:26:07 +0000

If there is a thermal runaway with a lithium-ion battery or solar fire you will have hazmat contamination of the soil that leaches into the ground and then into the water ways. It will be costly to combat the fire and think about the wildlife. Humans will be affected

By: Joseph Shoemaker

Joseph Shoemaker — Mon, 01 May 2023 20:34:37 +0000

Great point Deirdre and Jed is dead on with his questions. Also, not just the land, location but this is rural with its culture – its not for corporate. We know they don’t want then on Martha’s Vineyard along with the stupid windmills. In my reading, the only thing that makes sense is its a land grab to reduce the food supply. They (government & corporate & politicians) have consolidated the beef, the pork, the chicken and most other processing of food, why not the land. When are we going to stand up and stop this. This is not alternative to fossil fuel – just read the facts. But this isn’t about fact and science but power and money.

By: Dr. Dave

Dr. Dave — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 21:59:27 +0000

In reply to Hanna.

Jed you snide comment about Climate change not thinking ahead is TOTALY wrong. We very, very aware of what kind of damage and turmoil lies 20 and 30 years out. NOT a pleasant picture. Hanna, I also did a quick search and yes an occasional mention of changes in soil structure. No solution is perfect but a little soil compaction is NOTHING compared to the impact of coal or gas or nuclear.
Yes urban building make good sites. I have PV system on my roof. Powers my home and my EV.
However a BIG problem for urban building owners is the very low price that utilities will pay for the electricity generated by those relatively small systems. The utilities are more interested in higher salaries for top execs and pay outs to already rich investors.

By: Hanna

Hanna — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:06:48 +0000

In reply to Jed. In a 30 second Google search I found 33 studies about the soil under solar panels so I believe the answer to your question is yes. That said I agree it should be a consideration, I also agree with the other commenter that solar panels even on large scales should be more focused on urban buildings/ware houses.

By: Deirdre Birmingham

Deirdre Birmingham — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:01:54 +0000

Why not coat the massive warehouses and parking lots in urban and peri-urban areas with solar? Then the energy is where it is needed, also cutting down on the need for huge transmission lines cutting through often beautiful and unique rural landscapes?

By: Jed

Jed — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:43:29 +0000

Has anyone studied the effects of solar panels on the earth beneath them? I know for a fact that fewer plants will grow, and that will likely adversely affect soil chemistry and soil moisture content. On the other hand, in a desert environment, the cooling effect it will have may well improve soil moisture content and soil chemistry as a result. This may result in improved plant growth. Either way, has anyone considered what this may do to those ecosystems and the Earth at large? I thought not. Looking ahead and thinking things through is not a hallmark of climate change science. Ironic?