Many factors point to caution in Delaware County solar farm debate | Opinion

Robert Koester wrote an opinion piece for the Star Press that Delaware County officials should amend solar ordinances before the upcoming Oct. 7 vote.  

He is advocating that the proposed property value guarantee (which he termed laughable) should be removed, and that the 500-foot setback should be reduced to 250 feet.

As a homeowner who would potentially be surrounded by solar panels, I am writing in response.Koester implied that property owners have property rights that essentially give them carte blanche to make any changes to their property with little or no consideration for the impact that may devalue neighboring properties. Does he wish or advocate for the abolishment of all zoning restrictions, even in residential neighborhoods or next to schools? Does his interpretation of property rights include the right to diminish the value of his neighbors’ properties for his own financial benefit? Laughable indeed!Koester (with what I interpreted as a dismissive tone) writes of homeowners who do not wish to look out at solar panels. Yes, that is true. When one purchases a home, one of the largest investments many of us make, location is a primary factor.  

We purchased our home primarily for the location in a pastoral setting. The proposed solar farm will destroy that aesthetic. When we purchased our home, the area was zoned as agricultural. We had no indication that we would be surrounded by a large industrial complex.  Koester also implied that the solar farms would create an employment boon. That is only true during construction. Only two local employees will be needed after construction.There are so many unanswered questions.Will energy stay local or be sold to the grid? Will there be a decrease in local energy prices? Unlikely.What are the environmental effects of these large solar panels? Alice Webb, in her article “Does Solar Have a Dark Side?” notes that while solar energy production itself creates no carbon emissions, only 15% of absorbed sunlight is used for energy production. The remaining affects the natural environment by increasing temperatures, harming the habitat of indigenous wildlife and plants.The life span of solar panels is only 25 to 30 years. They contain toxic compounds that must be disposed of. It is also highly unlikely that this land could be reclaimed for agricultural use.The list of concerns seems endless.It may appear as if I am against solar power as an energy source. I am not. There are other more suitable alternatives available. For example, the site of the old Warner Gear plant on Kilgore about a mile long and a half-mile wide would be an excellent location.

We have an obligation to protect our highly productive agricultural community.While I have little hope that the plans for the Meadow Forge Solar Farm will not go forward, I implore the commissioners to maintain the 500-foot setback and keep the property value guarantee in place.Mike Kelly is a Gaston resident.