Solarstitions

Although you may encounter misleading videos, any noise emitted from a solar site comes from the inverter that converts the electrical current and is no louder than a low buzz, nearly inaudible from the project boundary.
Solar farms actually protect wildlife by creating safe, undisturbed habitats where plants, birds, and pollinators can thrive undisturbed by pesticides and tilling. In fact, many solar projects plant native vegetation to encourage a diverse ecosystem.
Think of solar energy as a kind of crop — harvesting the sun provides farmers with steady, long-term income and a way to preserve their land. For some, it may be the only way they can afford to keep their operation for future generations.
Solar farms can actually help preserve land by allowing the soil to regenerate without disruption from heavy plowing and chemicals. This reduces erosion and increases nutrients so the land can be restored to a healthy state for future use.
Kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2) is how we measure the amount of energy that hits a specific surface over a period of time. Sunlight in Ohio averages an impressive 4.65 kWh/m2 per day, which creates a lot of potential for solar as an energy resource.
The opposite is actually true! Utility-scale solar projects can help to lower utility costs by adding more power to Ohio’s electric grid, thereby reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels and creating more stability and price predictability.
Solar panels are made of common, non-hazardous, inflammable solids like glass, aluminum, and silicon (similar to our phones). They do not leak or burn harmful chemicals like fossil fuels do and can be safely recycled at the end of their lifespan without adding to landfills.
Solar projects don’t lower property values and, in some cases, can even increase them by improving local infrastructure and tax revenue. Since solar farms are quiet, low-maintenance, and screened with vegetation, they have little impact on neighboring properties.
The State of Ohio holds solar developers accountable for decommissioning sites and restoring the land at their end of life. The process must start within a year of project completion and costs nothing to the community or property owners.
Solar projects are developed strictly within the boundaries of land that has been voluntarily leased or purchased. At no point do they run through the center—or any part—of adjacent properties without permission and participation of the landowner.

Solar FAQs

Solar energy, is often hailed as the "cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.” The process of converting sunlight into electrical energy using solar panels is known as photovoltaics. It works like this:
- Sunlight radiates to Earth and onto a solar panel, the energy is absorbed.
- Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, each producing one to two watts of power.
- The cells are made of semiconductor material with negative and positive receptors, like a battery.
- When sunlight hits the cells, it releases electrons from the semiconductors, creating a current.
- Electricity is collected through both sides of the cell and flows out.
- The amount of electricity generated is dependent on how many cells are in each panel.
A utility-scale solar project is a large solar farm that generates electricity and feeds it into the power grid, supplying homes, businesses, and industries with clean, affordable energy.
Ohio is part of the PJM Interconnection, a large regional electric grid that manages electricity flow across multiple states to keep power reliable and affordable. The grid balances supply and demand, making sure enough electricity is available when people need it. Adding utility-scale solar projects provides extra power during the day, reducing strain on the grid during that high-demand time.
Solar energy also diversifies our energy mix, making the grid more resilient against fuel price spikes and power plant outages. More local solar power means a stronger, more stable, and cost-effective electric system.
Project developers connect with land owners who are interested in leasing their private property. Once a site is chosen, the project goes through a state approval process of environmental reviews and community input in which local government and residents can provide feedback. If approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board, construction begins, and the project is connected to the power grid to provide clean energy to homes and businesses.
Solar grazing is the practice of using sheep to manage vegetation around utility-scale solar panels, reducing the need for mowing and herbicides. It lowers emissions and improves soil health while also providing farmers with an additional income source.
Sheep are ideal because they aren’t large or strong enough to damage equipment, and solar panels offer them shade and protection. Secure fencing and regular monitoring keep the animals safe from predators.
Rooftop and parking lot installations are constrained by the available surface area, which restricts the number of solar panels that can be installed. This limitation results in lower energy production compared to utility-scale solar farms that occupy larger land areas.
In addition many buildings can’t support the additional weight of solar panels and lack the appropriate rooftop angles for optimal sunlight. Parking lot installations require building support structures, which are costly.
Fairfield County is ideal due to its available open land, strong existing electrical infrastructure, and growing energy demand. The county receives ample sunlight to support efficient solar energy production while allowing farmers and landowners to earn stable income by leasing their land for solar projects. Additionally, these projects bring new jobs and tax revenue, supporting schools, roads, and community services without straining local resources.