Solar energy’s piece of farmland technology in Ohio has been hampered by opposition on several recent projects. Some locals don’t want solar projects near them, and they try to stop their regulatory approval.
Harvey Solar’s developers believe that their 350-megawatt solar project in Licking County – just east of Columbus – could power 350,000 households. But they first need the Ohio Supreme Court to allow the project to move forward, as reported by WOSU-FM Public Radio.
Developers would convert 2,600 hundred acres of farmland for the solar project. A group called “Save Hartford Township” sued to stop the development. One of the complaints is the possibility of “night noise.”
“White noise” is the sounds that you can play on your smartphone or bedside electronic device to softly block out extraneous sounds and peacefully lull you to sleep. “Night Noise” is a channel on SiriusXM radio, but that isn’t why Save Hartford Township sued to block the Harvey Solar project.
Night Noise by Solar Projects
Axion Power said that solar panels don’t typically make noise at night; they might make a slight noise why they are powered by sunlight during the day. The night noise or “hum” that some neighbors mention is likely from the inverter that changes electrical currents from DC to AC, according to Axion Power.
The Ohio Power Siting Board already approved Harvey Solar. And while the Licking County project is stuck in the legal process, it doesn’t reflect an absence of commitment to solar statewide.
The Ohio Power Siting Board’s map shows several dozen other solar projects either already operational, under construction, or about to begin construction.
Harvey Solar Developers Explain Ohio Development
Open Road Renewables is developing the Harvey Solar project and touts its power-producing potential, job creation, and economic benefits to the region.
“Advances in technology, production techniques, and construction have made solar competitive with traditional energy sources in Ohio and across the USA. Solar creates jobs, increases local tax revenue, and supports regional manufacturing and economic development. Solar projects have a minimal environmental impact, create no emissions, are low profile and easily screened from view, and are designed to create no noise for neighboring residents. Harvey will be a good neighbor and a valuable contributor to the local economy.”
RELATED: Jess and Marcus Gray want to expand their LAMBscaping business in Virginia. They have found that sheep and solar are making for a successful family farming enterprise. Watch their conversation with American Farmland Owner here.
Grange Solar Grazing Center Project Denied
Another project from Open Road Renewables failed to get approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board. The Grange Solar Grazing Center was a proposed 500-megawatt solar agrivoltaics develop in Logan County near Indian Lake.
The Ohio Power Siting Board cited complaints from the local community in its denial for the project permit.
“Staff believes that any benefits to the local community are outweighed by the overwhelming documented public opposition and, therefore, the project would not serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.”
Open Road Renewables withdrew its application for the Grange Solar Grazing Center, making it the fifth large solar project in the state to fail to move forward in the past 15 months, according to Canary Media.
RELATED: A farm in Nevada believes that its solar operation will make more sense in a different part of the state. Part of the benefit of moving would be access to water.
