COLUMN: Solar energy is safe and a good neighbor - Enid News & Eagle

COLUMN: Solar energy is safe and a good neighbor | Opinion | enidnews.com

For more than two decades, NextEra Energy Resources’ subsidiaries have been helping fuel Oklahoma’s economic growth and quality of life while moving our country toward energy independence. We currently operate three wind sites here in Garfield County.

The proposed Skeleton Creek Energy Center is an innovative project that combines solar energy and battery energy storage systems.

The project is expected to generate $65 million in additional tax revenue for Garfield County. Local schools, roads and essential services will all benefit. Additional benefits include new jobs and other economic activities during construction and over the life of the project.

There has been misinformation spread about the project. I want to share some facts.

Fact — Safety is our highest priority. We work with local first responders and fire officials to share information about risks, create response plans and implement safety measures. Local fire departments will not need to purchase new equipment to support the project.

Fact — Solar panels are safe. Panels are made of solid materials and do not pose a chemical hazard to the public, underlying soil or groundwater. Solar photovoltaic panels typically consist of glass, polymer, aluminum, copper and semiconductor materials that can be recovered and recycled at the end of their useful life.

Fact — Battery modules are housed in fully enclosed containers, like shipping containers, and each container is equipped with fire protection complying with National Fire Protection Association 855 — Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems. We have sensors that alarm when an abnormal condition arises. Additionally, our facilities are monitored 24/7 by our Renewable Operations Control Center, which can remotely shut down any affected site.

Fact — Solar facilities are located at approximately 70 airports around the U.S. We have coordinated extensively with representatives from Vance Air Force Base, Woodring Airport and the Department of Defense clearing house to ensure the project does not negatively impact operations and have received letters of no objection.

Fact — There is no evidence to indicate a solar project will impact neighboring property values. A study by Cohn-Reznick, a firm that specializes in property valuation, looked at home sales in proximity to six solar facilities. The study found there was no measurable impact on property values that were located adjacent to the solar projects.

Fact — The project will work in harmony with the environment. It will not impact hunting or recreation on neighboring lands and is designed to minimize any impact to local wildlife. In fact, of all forms of energy generation, solar energy has among the lowest impacts as it emits no air or water pollution, requires no drilling or mining for fuel, emits little sound and creates no hazardous by-products from the power it generates.

Fact — Battery energy storage facilities provide reliable energy on demand and help keep the lights on even during the hottest and coldest months of the year, when the need for energy is at its highest.

Fact — Our team remains committed to Garfield County, and the state of Oklahoma.

We look forward to continuing to be your good neighbor.