SOLAR FACTS & MYTHS

Discovering the facts about solar energy, debunking common myths, and getting accurate information all in one place.

MYTH: Solar is Taking Over Indiana’s Farmland

Solar projects are not a threat to farmland, but actually provide protection for the land and revenue in the hands of hardworking farmers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar energy could support 45% of the needs of our power grid while requiring only 0.6% of existing farmland. In comparison, the U.S. dedicated over seven times that amount of land to produce ethanol.

MYTH: Solar Panels are Toxic

The overall impact of solar development on human health is overwhelmingly positive. Solar panels produce no emissions, waste, odor, or by-products, meaning there is no threat to water supply, soil, or air quality. Farmland remains unaffected and fully protected during the entirety of a solar project’s operating life.

MYTH: Solar Takes Farmland Out of Use

Unlike other forms of development (housing, warehousing, commercial use, coal plants, etc.), a solar energy facility is temporary. Once operations cease, the land is returned to its original state and farmers have the option to go back to farming the land if they choose.

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MYTH: Solar Lowers Property Values

Actually, studies show property values near utility-scale solar projects tend to rise. These projects drive economic development, which in turn increases residential property values.

MYTH: Solar Energy is Expensive

The low cost of installation and maintenance makes renewable energy sources like solar some of the most affordable energy sources on the market. More and more solar is getting built because it makes economic sense. In fact, it’s usually less expensive than building a coal plant to produce a comparable amount of power.

MYTH: Solar Panels Can't Be Recycled

After a panel's useful life, many solar panels can be refurbished and reused, recycled (up to 95% of semiconductor material and 90% of glass used in panels can be recycled), or safely disposed of in municipal landfills.