Here’s how wind farms affect our environment

The United States, and the world, are in a race against time to shift from greenhouse gas producing energy sources to carbon free ones

The United States, and the world, are in a race against time to shift from greenhouse gas producing energy sources to carbon free ones, which at this point means either nuclear plants, hydroelectric power, or solar and wind farms.

Wind turbines and solar panels have been subject to mis- and disinformation campaigns

Wind turbines and solar panels, which must be the main way forward, have been subject to mis- and disinformation campaigns. Alan Anderson, a lawyer, says when he hears arguments against wind and solar, he thinks of bears and Bigfoot. “Bears are real – if you have a bear in your campsite, that’s not good,” he said. “But if someone says there’s a Bigfoot in their campsite, it’s not real,” he said. “We’re burdened by having to give factual information that’s backed by science and engineering, whereas the other side’s not. So we’re at a disadvantage,” he said.

Wind and solar farms face opposition from locals

That contrast was on display recently at a commissioners’ meeting in Madison County, Ohio. The proposed Oak Run solar farm would produce 800 megawatts of clean electricity, bringing an estimated $250 million in tax revenue over the project’s 35-year life and providing dozens of long-term jobs. However, a crowd of neighbors was there to voice their concerns. They argued that the panels would “take up prime farmland” and kill birds, and considered them to be eyesores.

Do wind turbines kill birds and bats?

Yes, wind turbines can kill both bats and birds. But the more important question is how many they kill compared with other sources. Buildings are estimated to kill up to 988 million birds a year and outdoor cats are an enormous danger to birds. A study found that wind farms had no statistically significant effect on bird counts. But another kind of energy did. Fracking reduced the total number of birds counted in near shale and oil production sites by 15%. Wind farms might put some bird species at risk, but the impact is minimal compared to other factors affecting bird populations. The bigger threat to bird populations is habitat loss caused by global warming.

Are solar farms dangerous for birds?

Some water birds can mistake a large solar farm for a body of water and attempt to land on it, which can harm the birds. However, measures are being taken to minimize the risk of crash landings. Many states require solar developers to grow native plants in and among solar farms, benefiting birds and other pollinators.

Power produced by wind and solar is essential for local areas and communities

Agricultural communities have always exported what they produce. Solar advocates and energy developers say their task is to persuade people living near turbines or solar farms to see the benefits in the form of jobs, improved schools, and infrastructure development.

Do worn-out solar panels create overwhelming waste?

Improved standards for solar panels mean that their lifespan is longer today than a decade ago. Solar panels typically last 30 to 35 years. Compared to other sources of waste, the amount of waste from solar panels is relatively small and manageable.

Are solar panels toxic?

Solar panels are mostly made of non-toxic materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon. Despite some misconceptions, modern photovoltaic cells do not contain poisonous materials like arsenic, germanium, hexavalent chromium, or perfluoroalkyl substances. There is no evidence of toxic material leaching out of solar panels in the rain.

Do wind turbines reduce property values?

A study found that homes located within one mile of commercial wind turbines experienced an 11% decline in value following the announcement of a new wind energy project. However, the effect was temporary, and prices returned to pre-announcement levels within a few years after the project was operational. Additionally, wind farm projects have often provided economic benefits to communities through taxes, contributing to improved infrastructure and schools.

Do wind turbines create harmful noises?

Sounds from wind turbines may be annoying but have no established adverse health effects. Despite claims of low-frequency noises causing health problems, research has shown no link between health outcomes and proximity to wind turbines.

Will solar farms use up all our farmland?

Solar farms are often built on farmland due to its suitability for renewable energy projects. However, the amount of farmland needed for solar energy is comparably small. The Department of Agriculture pays farmers to take environmentally sensitive land out of production, and the land needed for green energy is far less than what is currently being used for other purposes like growing corn for ethanol.

Can solar panels be installed on old warehouses or brownfield sites?

Solar panels can be installed on brownfield sites, but the cost of building on potentially toxic ground is typically higher. While some projects can be placed on old landfill properties, there simply aren’t enough brownfields to meet the full needs of the energy transition. Moreover, solar panels ultimately need to occupy acreage to function effectively.

Are wind and solar farms aesthetically unappealing?

The beauty of wind turbines and solar panels is subjective: some people see them as clean energy solutions, while others consider them industrial eyesores. The visual impact of solar farms is relatively low, especially when they are hidden behind a row of trees. However, public opinion varies, and debates surrounding the aesthetics of renewable energy infrastructure continue.

This news article was written with support from the McGraw Center for Business Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.