To the Editor:

Generating energy for our nation requires a lot of space. Solar is no different. Current estimates of the area likely to be covered with solar range from 20 to 25 million acres. Roofs, deserts, farmland, brown fields, reservoirs, canals, fence lines, sound barriers between highways and neighborhoods, the sides of buildings, roadways, parking lots; the list where solar is installed continues to grow. A recent study estimates that California could generate about 1/3 of its current electrical needs simply by solarizing its parking lots. Covering its canal system could potentially meet 1/2.

Large utility scale solar generally has the lowest installed cost. These projects tend to be further from point of use and can require upgrades to powerlines. These power plants can be quite large and are comparable to traditional energy production, like natural gas or nuclear, where a lot of energy is generated at site and shipped to end users potentially many miles away.

Solar built at the point of use can have significant benefits compared to utility scale. System loss through long distance transmission is minimized. Accessing existing electrical infrastructure reduces or eliminates the cost of system upgrades. Localized solar projects, with battery storage, sometimes called microgrids, are well suited to responding quickly to wider system outages enhancing grid security and reliability.

Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar into existing farm production, is being used to increase farm financial productivity. Grazing, crop production, and pollinator habitat enhancement are all compatible with solar. In a warming climate heat stress, both for crops and farmworkers, can be mitigated using solar.

In arid areas solar on waterways, canals, and reservoirs is reducing evaporation and conserving water. Well managed solar projects can be used to provide habitat and protection to species under threat from other types of destructive land use.

The solar industry is evolving and innovating rapidly addressing environmental problems and enhancing energy security in ways no other form of energy production can. All types of installations are part of a mix needed to address multiple pressing problems as quickly as possible. How much space each type will contribute depends on numerous factors hard to predict. One thing however is sure. The energy scarcity that has dominated our culture, our economy, and our politics is coming to an end.

Scott Shipley, Hermon
owner of Northern Lights Energy of Canton