The Energy Prosperity Coalition has been asked many questions regarding solar energy development and its benefits. The following information aims to answer many of the most frequently asked questions that we have received!
Please contact us if you have additional questions or comments.
What are solar panels?
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity.
How do solar panels produce energy?
Solar photovoltaic cells absorb sunlight, creating electrical charges that cause electricity to flow.
Sources: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work
How much solar energy is produced in West Virginia?
As of Summer 2024, West Virginia produces over 165 megawatts (MW) worth of operational solar installations and facilities. 165 MW is enough to power over 17,500 homes.
Do solar panels impact property values?
Most studies find that solar farms have little to no negative impact on surrounding property values. In fact, depending on the solar farm’s location, it can boost property values.
Source: https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Solar-and-Property-Values-Fact-Sheet_2.2.22.pdf
Do solar panels emit noise?
Solar panels emit little to no noise.
Do solar panels cause harm to the environment?
If installed and maintained properly, solar panels have no negative effects on the surrounding environment. Over 95% of solar panels manufactured today are made from glass, aluminum, and crystalline silicon, a non-toxic element. In certain cases, solar projects are designed to improve the local environment through investments in certain types of vegetation that can attract pollinators, reduce stormwater runoff levels, and more.
Source: https://center4ee.org/debunking-solar-myths/
What happens to solar panels at the end of the project’s life cycle?
At the end of a project’s life cycle, the solar panels are decommissioned. Most components of the panels are recycled including aluminum, glass, and copper.
Are solar panels taking up all our farmland?
A very small percentage of U.S. farmland is taken up by solar panels. It is estimated that within the next decade, less than 0.3% of farmland will have solar panels on it. Solar power can benefit many farmers, as they can install solar panels on unused land which can create additional revenue streams, contributing to the farmers’ economic security. In some cases, farmers can simultaneously utilize the same pieces of land for farm use and solar, whether for crops or for farm animal grazing.
Source: https://center4ee.org/debunking-solar-myths/
Do solar farms harm wildlife?
Since they produce zero emissions in the air or water, solar panels are safe for all animals. Many farmers implement agrivoltaics, which allows crops, livestock, and pollinators to coexist with the solar panels. This process benefits the soil, wildlife, and environment overall.
Does solar cost more than other forms of energy?
Producing solar energy is less expensive than other forms of electricity. Solar technology has advanced immensely in the last decade, and costs have declined by over 90% in cost since the 2000s.
What are the economic benefits of solar?
Utility-scale solar projects as less expensive to deploy and operate than traditional forms of energy, contributing to lower electric bills while delivering millions of dollars in tax revenue and landowner payments into local communities. Solar projects also offer well-paid construction jobs upfront and maintenance and operations jobs for the project’s lifetime.
Can the farmland once utilized for solar projects be used for agricultural practices in the future?
Yes! The land where a solar project was developed can be returned to conditions for use for farming at the end of the project life. Solar projects can protect and maintain the soil quality during their operating lifetimes, unlike residential housing developments or other permanent installations.
Will solar energy replace coal in West Virginia?
Solar, like other forms of renewable energy, is already being used as part of the energy mix that powers West Virginia and is expected to remain part of the state’s energy mix in the future. It complements the state’s existing generation as a critical source of new energy to meet surging demand growth in the region.
Do local solar projects receive tax abatements?
Utility-scale solar projects may enter into agreements with counties to make “payments in lieu of taxes.” These can be a win-win for the solar project and the county: they attract solar projects by locking in a fixed schedule of tax payments that allow these projects to compete with project in surrounding states and help the county by creating a known property tax schedule related to the project that counties can easily plan their budgets around for many years to come.