Renewable energy projects, like solar and wind farms, are shaping a cleaner energy future. However, questions about their impact on local communities come up.
Groups like the Land and Liberty Coalition are stepping in to address these concerns head-on. They focus on supporting property rights and providing fact-based information to help rural communities navigate the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy projects. As Pat Wood of the Hunt Energy Network in Dallas says, “We need to get the politics out of the energy business.”
Let’s dive into the facts to address concerns on how these projects affect landscapes, property values, and noise levels — and explore how they can be addressed in ways that benefit everyone.
Solar Panels: Functional and Farmer-Friendly
Solar panels are often misunderstood as reflective or intrusive to farmland. In reality, modern solar panels use non-reflective glass that absorbs sunlight, minimizing glare. Structurally, they are similar to single-story homes and can integrate seamlessly into rural landscapes.
More importantly, solar energy helps preserve farmland. Crops and livestock can share the space with solar panels in a practice called agrivoltaics. For example, some plants grow beneath the solar panels, benefitting from shade and extra moisture while sheep graze under the panels to keep the grass trimmed. This gives farmers two income streams—one from farming and one from solar leases. It also helps prevent erosion, supports pollinators like bees, and provides a steady income even during droughts.
According to the Land and Liberty Coalition, solar energy projects are a practical solution to combat urban sprawl, the real threat to America’s farmland.
Property Values: Solar Farms Can Boost Them
Worried about your home’s value? Research shows solar farms don’t hurt property values—if anything, they can increase them. A recent study in the Midwest found that homes near solar farms saw property values go up by 0.5-2%.
These projects bring more than clean energy. They often come with new jobs and increased tax revenue, which leads to improved infrastructure for roads and schools. The key is open communication with developers and local leaders to ensure everyone in the community is on the same page about these benefits.
Wind Turbines: Quieter Than You Think
Wind turbines do make sound, like a faint hum or whooshing noise, but modern designs have come a long way in keeping the noise down. From the distance of 984 feet that they are required to be set back from a residence (about three football fields), they make about as much noise as your fridge humming in the kitchen—around 35-45 decibels. Research also shows it’s not harmful to health, and developers use sound modeling and other ways to keep noise levels in check.
If you’re curious about how turbines sound in real life, consider visiting a working wind farm. It’s the best way to understand what living near one might be like.
Working Together for a Cleaner Future
Renewable energy isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about helping local communities grow. Farmers can earn steady income through solar leases, and solar and wind projects bring tax dollars that improve schools, roads, and other local services.
By focusing on real solutions, like how agrivoltaics works alongside farming or how solar farms can boost property values, communities can feel confident about embracing renewable energy. Talking openly with developers and local leaders makes sure these projects fit the needs of the community.
