STORM CLOUDS LOOM OVER PROPOSED KANE COUNTY SOLAR FIELDS

By Martin James

January 20, 2024

On Friday, January 27, 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a new law, Public Act 102-1123, which refines county governments’ ability to regulate new commercial wind and solar energy facilities. Specifically, PA 102-1123 prohibits counties from banning or establishing moratoriums on wind and solar development. The law also establishes siting and zoning standards, which county ordinances may not be more stringent than, and standardizes procedures for counties’ review and approval of wind and solar siting or special use permits.

As a result of this recent legislation, current owners of several agricultural land sites throughout Kane County are now rushing to develop solar fields, on which a large number of solar panels or solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are installed to generate electricity from sunlight. The primary purpose of a solar field is to harness solar energy and convert it into electrical power on a large scale.

But like most other “Green New Deal” technologies, proponents are rushing headlong to implement them without considering (or frankly ignoring) legitimate environmental, economic and social concerns. These include:

1, In a northern state like Illinois, there just isn’t enough sunlight to economically justify large scale solar energy developments. While cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix average approximately 210 sunny days per year, Chicago averages a mere 84 days of sunlight!

2. The manufacturing process of solar panels produces greenhouse gas emissions and requires handling of toxic chemicals Solar panels contain electronic components and materials that classify them as electronic waste. Improper disposal of solar panels can contribute to the growing global issue of e-waste. The disposal of electronic waste poses environmental and health risks if not managed responsibly. In addition, certain mining practices can have severe environmental impacts, leading to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.

3. The concern about slave labor in the mining of minerals used in the manufacturing of solar cells is a legitimate and complex issue that deserves attention. The supply chain for minerals required in solar technology, such as cobalt, must be scrutinized for ethical sourcing. If these minerals are extracted through exploitative practices, it raises ethical concerns for the entire solar industry. Cobalt mining has been linked to human rights abuses, including child labor and unsafe working conditions, especially in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a significant portion of the world’s cobalt is extracted.

4. Neighbors living near solar fields also have legitimate concerns, including: (a) Solar panels create glare and reflection, especially during sunny days, which is a nuisance to nearby residents; (b) Large solar fields alter the landscape and are visually intrusive. Residents are concerned about changes in scenery and property values; (c) While solar panels themselves are generally silent, there is noise associated with inverter systems and other operational components; and (d) Solar fields affect local wildlife habitats and residents are concerned about disruptions to ecosystems, changes in bird patterns, or impact on local flora and fauna.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you agree that Springfield’s recent legislation is unwarranted, and that the resulting surge in solar field development in Kane County should be slowed down until better technology and more feasible economic and environmentally safe processes are available, make your voice heard! Attend the Kane County Board and Committee meetings, and let our elected representatives know how you feel. Write your legislative representatives in Springfield, and educate your family, neighbors and friends about the true impact of solar field development. While there is no question that sustainable energy technology should continue to be researched and implemented where and when it makes sense, now is not the time for further solar field development in Kane County.