Madison County community officials embrace Fox Squirrel solar project

Among the main arguments for large-scale solar utility projects are environmental, including the reduction of greenhouse gasses that scientists say lead to climate change. And from critics, it’s the replacement of farmland with unsightly fields of glass panels.

But within each set of issues, there are many others. And often they comingle or contradict each other. For the generational farm family, keeping their land productive and fertile is a priority, one that contributes to a healthier environment and less carbon emissions.

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When major projects are proposed, there may be dozens of issues debated. Those living closest often have the loudest voices. Some of these include aesthetics: A previously endless vista of cornfields is now replaced by an array of hundreds of thousands of solar panels that reflect into their homes. Some argue that the glare can be annoying or dangerous when driving.

Working toward compromise is essential for acceptance, solar operators say. While developers may argue a host of benefits, they also acknowledge the negatives. It’s simply smart business, they say.

In the communities surrounding Fox Squirrel solar in southern Madison County, officials with operator EDF Renewables said most were very receptive to their plans, especially public officials.

“We have had such an amazing relationship with the community,” said Sandi Briner, vice president of marketing for EDF.

And most local officials agree.

“I don’t remember any huge outcry,” said Becky Martin, a longtime Mount Sterling village council member. “There are so many farmers in this community with strong feelings about it. I always wanted to see, as a gesture of goodwill, if they would do something for our parks, like sponsoring like a dog park or splash pad,” she said. She’s hoping with the project’s completion that will happen.

WATCH: Discussing how Ohio’s rural solar fight is pitting neighbors and friends against each other

And Chief Brian Bennington of the Central Townships Joint Fire District, which has jurisdiction over 75% of Fox Squirrel, said working with a company is always easier than butting heads.

“We provide a service to all people, not just residents,” Bennington said. “I try to make it as easy as I can for businesses here. I’m going to be in their fields (for emergencies), and it’s better to have that personal relationship. Everything we needed they fulfilled,” including requests for three helicopter landing fields, pull-offs every 1,000 feet for passing emergency equipment and keys to lockboxes at the gates, he said. “It’s not my job to stand in a farmer’s way to make a living. It’s their choice.”

Other main benefits of solar fields, along with their counter-arguments, according to Texas-based BKV Energy, include:

• The sun is an abundant and renewable energy source. But fickle weather and cloud cover make consistent generation unpredictable.
• Solar leaves no pollution or greenhouse emissions. Except during installation, which can last more than a year, during which dust, construction noise and vehicle exhaust are common complaints.
• Low operating costs from photovoltaic cells that require little maintenance. However, all that electricity can’t be directly sent to power lines. Typically, energy storage facilities and substations are needed along with high initial costs.
• Job creation during construction. Famers would say it’s temporary and offset over time by the lost labor from farming.
• More easily installed on flat, less productive land. Most of southeastern Ohio is too rugged, hilly or forested.
• Consistent technological advancements. This means disposal of obsolete panels and equipment and the related environmental impact.

dnarciso@dispatch.com