What does the Referendum do?

A NO vote will repeal the utility-scale solar and wind ban enacted by the Richland County Commissioners, and return the siting process back to a case-by-case basis through the Ohio Power Siting Board, rather than a blanket ban in 11 of 18 Richland County townships. Township trustees and county commissioners will still have veto power over individually proposed projects.

There are regulations on solar siting, even when there is not a ban in place. All projects over 50 MW have to apply for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). The OPSB review is long and includes multiple steps, including informational public meetings, submission of an application for a certificate that includes numerous detailed studies on the project’s potential impacts, a detailed review of the application and recommendations by expert staff at the OPSB, formal public hearings, and eventual certificate issuance or denial.

Does the referendum include wind?

While the ban includes wind, we have a state law in place that makes it nearly impossible for wind projects to be sited in Ohio. Though on paper the referendum includes wind siting, the exclusion zones only impact potential for future solar siting in Richland County.

Does banning solar development violate property rights?

Landowners have the right to decide how to use their property. Our leaders must protect our choice to develop clean energy resources on our land just as we would produce crops or raise livestock. Our farmland, our rights. Closing the door on all future solar development would also put a blanket prohibition on projects that could bring both jobs and much-needed tax revenue to the area.

How does solar financially benefit the community?

Solar projects often become the largest tax revenue contributor to the local economy. For example, the Oak Run Solar Project in Madison County is projected to generate $7.2 million in annual revenue for the county, local governments, and schools.

From the Salt City Project in Ross County, the PILOT program has already distributed:

- Over $34,000 to Ross County

- Almost $90,000 to Zane Trace Schools

- An additional $12,500 to Pick-Ross JVS

- And over $43,000 to Green Township, where the project is located.

Are they taking land from farmers to put up solar?

No! Ohio farmers have the right to use their land as they choose, whether that means farming corn, cattle or sunshine. Some are choosing to work responsibly with solar developers to lease land for solar panel installations and generate clean, locally-produced energy that will benefit their families and the community.

Why would Richland county want to have solar here?

Adding solar to Ohio’s all-of-the above energy mix cuts costs, reduces harmful air pollution, and ensures a comprehensive ‘made in America’ approach to energy that will restore and create new, good-paying jobs in our communities.

Increasing the amount of electrons on the grid will help to reduce skyrocketing costs of energy for Richland County residents. Renewable energy projects like solar with battery storage will help to increase reliability while delivering affordable electricity to our homes and businesses.

How can solar panels help preserve farmland?

Deciding to lease land for a solar project is a big decision for landowners and their families. Ultimately, solar land leases are negotiated by landowners who are committed to preserving the integrity and future use of their land for agricultural purposes, rather than selling the land for permanent developments like housing units or warehouses.

Can land be used for both solar and agricultural purposes?

Yes. Solar energy provides many opportunities for land to have dual uses by growing crops under solar panels or grazing livestock on the same land. “Agrivoltaics” is the term commonly used for these integrated solar/agriculture practices that serve as a sustainable approach to conserving farmland, supporting farmers and providing a drought-proof revenue stream thanks to solar leases.

Are solar panels toxic?

Solar panels are safe and contain only materials in “solid state” form, just like the electronic components in laptops and smartphones. They do not contain liquids that can leak into the soil. Solar panels are not fragile. They are made mostly of aluminum and shatter-resistant glass and similar to a car window, they may crack but rarely shatter.

Why not do solar on houses, businesses and parking lots instead?

Rooftop and parking lot installations are important pieces of new energy development, but that production is 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.