Living near a solar farm has its pros and cons. But it is important to be aware of them before deciding to move in.
The article is discussing the pros and cons of living near a solar farm. The article says that in some cases living near a solar farm can be beneficial and in some cases not so much. The article explains that it is generally more advantageous to live near a solar farm if you use less electricity than the average person, or if you have strong views about climate change and want to reduce your carbon footprint.
Pros of living near a solar farm
1. Calm and quiet environment
Unlike other farms or power plants, solar farms are very calm and quiet. In solar farms, there isn’t any generation of unwanted noise, and the batteries of such farms do not require any extensive heavy maintenance. Solar farms are small energy projects and are operations that require minimal upkeep. Therefore, there are no heavy trucks or crowds of workers gathering around the area 24/7, causing any sort of pollution. Hence, living near solar farms is much more peaceful than any other plant area.
2. Reduced cost of energy
Federal governments provide a tax credit of up to 30% when it concerns a solar energy project. That means the government incentivizes solar farm projects heavily in order to promote more green and renewable energy. That makes it one of the cheapest power plants. Thus, as a resident living near such a power plant, you get cheap power right at your doorsteps.
Also, there is no need to worry about any power interruptions or cuts. It is simply because solar power is absorbed in a battery throughout the day, which then makes it possible to supply power 24/7. Moreover, Solar farms have on-site helpers who would instantly respond to any problem faced.
3. Increase in employment
Finally, one of the major benefits of living near a solar farm is the opportunities that they provide. Although solar farms are small operations or projects, they hire around 500 workers for different technical purposes. Therefore, it gives the residents a high chance of receiving some sort of employment opportunities that are right outside their households. Further, the hype for green energy ensures that such employment will last longer than expected.
Cons of living near a solar farm
1. Health concerns
One of the major drawbacks of living near a solar farm is the concern of health issues. Be it any plant, there will always be high contamination of the environment due to electromagnetic radiation. But in the case of a solar farm, although the panels do not produce radiation, the batteries and equipment do. Therefore, there is always a risk of getting affected and developing health issues, such as cancer and other diseases that reduce life expectancy and expose you to cancers.
2. Unpleasant view of wildlife destruction
When a solar farm operation starts, massive destruction of vegetation and wildlife takes place in that area. Vast areas of green vegetation are replaced with panels, and many habitats of the wild animals are taken away, leaving them with no homes to return to. Such destruction of the environment can be very unsightly and disheartening.
3. Reduction in property value
When reselling of your property is concerned, you would face a devastating response. In today’s world, everybody is looking for a place where mother nature prevails. But near solar farms, the destruction of nature will only attract a small pool of buyers. Not to mention, serious health risks are always a major concern. That leads to a reduction of property rate, ultimately bringing in a loss.
Is living near solar farms worth it?
Living near a solar farm may sound like the perfect solution to reduce your carbon footprint and live an environmentally friendly lifestyle. But how do you know if living near a solar farm is right for you?
Here are some reasons that might convince you that living next to a solar farm would be worth it:
- You’re looking for more stability in your electricity bill.
- You’re looking for more privacy.
- You’re looking for more peace of mind knowing you won’t have blackouts anytime soon.
- It’s good for the environment, and you can feel good about yourself knowing that it has been done responsibly.
Do solar farms cause cancer?
There is a lot of controversy and confusion about whether solar farms can cause cancer. Solar farms do not produce any radioactive materials and they pose no health risks to humanity.
Solar panels, which are the main component in a solar farm, generate electricity by converting sunlight into electricity while the panels themselves emit no harmful radiation. In fact, solar panels emit only a fraction of the amount of radiation that humans are exposed to on a daily basis from cosmic rays and natural sources such as rocks, soil, and walls.
Despite this, there is still some concern that solar panels emit radiation which could lead to health issues such as cancer. Scientists have tested the technology at length and found that they do not emit anything more than a household lightbulb due to their low-level voltage output.
Do solar farms give off radiation?
The answer to this question is no. Solar farms do not give off radiation because they are not nuclear facilities.
Solar farms are the largest group of renewable energy systems in the world. They work by converting sunlight into electricity. The panels on a solar farm can generate enough electricity to power a city.
Solar farms do not give off radiation because it is powered by solar energy. The rays from the sun are not harmful and it is zero-emission which means there is no pollution coming off from the plant.
Are solar farms safe in residential areas?
Solar power is one of the cleanest sources of energy available. However, some people are against solar farms in residential areas because they are worried about the safety of these plants.
Some people are afraid that these plants might affect their health in some way. They are convinced that something bad will happen if they operate close to their homes.
Others argue that solar farms don’t pose any risk to humans or animals living around them. And even if they did, these risks would be small enough to be negligible due to the fact that there is a lot more radiation coming from other sources like cell phones, TVs, and computers which emit more radiation than a solar farm could ever produce.
It is a common misconception that solar farms are unsafe for residential areas. In reality, the panels used in solar panels are made from different materials to protect them from any type of weather. The panels have foundations that are deeply dug into the ground to stay stable and withstand heavy winds and light storms.
In addition, all solar farms in the United States have a safety plan in place in case of emergency. These safety plans address any risks that may occur during a natural or man-made disaster, such as an earthquake or tornado. These plans also include evacuation routes for employees and emergency access roads for deliveries and emergency vehicles.
Final Words
Living near solar farms can have a number of benefits. These include lower electricity costs, reduced dependency on fossil fuels, and the opportunity to create green jobs.
However, there are some drawbacks as well. Solar panels can be an eyesore and some people might not want to live in a community where they have to abide by a certain aesthetic standard.
It is evident that living near a solar farm may have both pros and cons for different people, but there are certainly more benefits than disadvantages associated with these power plants.
