Worcester County officials looking to educate local farmers from “aggressive solar companies”
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – In Worcester County, placing solar panels on farmland has been a hot topic for officials. They tell WMDT that the contracts between solar companies and landowners can last several years.
Due to this, the county officials plan to mail educational material to warn local farmers, from what they call aggressive and predatory salespeople in the solar industry.
County Commissioner Chip Bertino has had a hand in changes he thinks will make farming in the county more balanced. “These contracts on their land are always long-term contracts, so we want to give them all the information necessary to make the right decision for them, their families, and their farms.”
The state of Maryland is striving to meet renewable energy demands set forth by lawmakers. These issues on agricultural lands, however, keep local farmers at risk. Solar companies typically offer landowners upwards of $800 per 1 acre. Worcester Farm Bureau’s VP, John Bruning, a fourth-generation farmer, firmly opposes solar farming.
“Right now, the farm economy is not the best, and maybe it is an alternative to make some money on your acres. However, the problem with solar looking down the road for 30 or 40 years, is how will we dispose of all the components of a large solar system. I think the land is better off staying in agriculture in the long term.”
He believes the amount of farmland available on Delmarva and much of the United States is already shrinking.
“There are already limited acres in agriculture, because of residential and commercial buildings. We don’t want to lose any more acres to these large solar farms.”
Solar energy provides a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing harmful atmospheric emissions. Proponents of green energy believe solar energy systems will enhance air quality and protect the planet.
Caroline County already implemented a similar plan to counter aggressive tactics by solar companies. Commissioner Bertino stated they intend to emulate Caroline County.
“We have an obligation and responsibility to our local landowners and farmers to ensure that contracts they enter for these solar panel projects are in their best interests, and that they’ve done everything to keep their eyes open.”
There’s no official timeline for mailing out the educational materials.
