Solar Farm #2, dangers involved.

[Hay Dude]

That hasn’t been true for a number of years now for solar or wind.

You can pick specific instances where it is, where solar and wind are installed in low production areas and the math still works due to subsidies. But many solar/wind farms can absolutely stand on their own without the subsidies.

Solar panels are subsidized by the US government before the chinese even produce the damn things. What do you think all the money going towards “green energy” is for?

 

[lman]

How do your counties generate income?

Here it is largely property tax, business personal property tax and sales tax

Solar farms generate additional taxes on property value and business personal property tax.

There are concessions generally negotiated (as with all large commercial projects) and exemptions but still a significant tax increase for our area.

The most recent installation in my county is projected to dump an additional $20M in tax revenue over the next 10 years… compared to the $18k the farm land was generating (in strictly property tax)

About 2.3M for the county, 2.7 for the county hospital district, 1.5 in county road and bridge, 7.3 for emergency district, etc.

The local tiny school district will see an additional 2.3M the 1st year.


Hard for this tiny farm community to turn down such income. The county commissioners are largely ‘in charge’.

A side benefit is the hotels and restaurants are sure enjoying the business of the traveling construction crews.

Obviously the electric rates will go up with all of the money being thrown at solar. They're paying $1,000/acre every month for 20,000 acres in this area plus all of the property taxes.
Somebody has to pay for all of that and the consumers will pay the bill one way or another.

 

[MossRoad]

Do you have a link to this project anywhere?

 

[Rustyiron]

^^^^ this is happening in Maine.
Part of the equation is something for the developers or owners is called "stranded assets". I've heard it explained but I wouldn't do well repeating it. It basically (the way I understand it) is a guarantee to the SF's owner that the rate payers will make them whole in their investments.
I'd be fully behind some sort of "encouragement" for individual rooftop systems that go beyond the folks that can afford it or can take advantage of the available tax credits. The current rules have those unable to afford solar are paying for this through increased monthly electric bills.
The performance, at least here in Maine is realsicly around 15% and its as simple as the weather and sunshine and still not reality at this point, just like electric vehicles. Give it time, like decades. Then I might listen.

 

[bnold]

Solar panels are subsidized by the US government before the chinese even produce the damn things. What do you think all the money going towards “green energy” is for?

A surge in development and adoption.

You aren’t countering my response, just asked a different question.

 

[bnold]

Obviously the electric rates will go up with all of the money being thrown at solar. They're paying $1,000/acre every month for 20,000 acres in this area plus all of the property taxes.
Somebody has to pay for all of that and the consumers will pay the bill one way or another.

Electric rates?

How is this related to tax income for counties?

Electric rates in my area have skyrocketed due to recent bankruptcy of Brazos Electric Coop, the mandated upgrades of plants and NG distribution, fuel costs, inflation, etc… no one thing.

 

[bnold]

Do you have a link to this project anywhere?

I’m not familiar with other states, but just google any solar/wind farm county approval in Tx. Most county commissioner, zoning meetings, etc meeting minutes have this information available for public. It is the primary reason the solar/wind farms get approved around here. The county doesn’t care all that much about the individual land owner that is inline for increased income.

 

[MossRoad]

I’m not familiar with other states, but just google any solar/wind farm county approval in Tx. Most county commissioner, zoning meetings, etc meeting minutes have this information available for public. It is the primary reason the solar/wind farms get approved around here. The county doesn’t care all that much about the individual land owner that is inline for increased income.

The question was directed at the OP.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

So you are against clearcutting then? well, then how much land has been clear-cut in the timber industry or for agriculture? I’m sure a lot of the bunnies are sad for those two purposes.

Trees are a crop, get used to it. Or do you propose corn farmers stop clearcutting their fields also?

 

[turbo36]

Trees are a crop, get used to it. Or do you propose corn farmers stop clearcutting their fields also?

You should slow your outrage down and reread my post and who it was intended for.