Benefits of Solar Power in Logan County
Statewide
In 2010, Ohio passed Senate Bill 232 to establish a fair tax system for renewable energy facilities. The law introduced the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) statute, allowing renewable energy developers to pay a fixed annual fee instead of property taxes, encouraging the growth of renewable energy.
For solar projects, the rate under the PILOT program was set at $7,000 per megawatt, with a vital condition: a minimum of 70% of the workforce had to be Ohio residents.
County commissioners were granted the flexibility to negotiate additional service payments, not exceeding $9,000 per megawatt when combined with the PILOT. The most exciting part? The PILOT program promises substantial rewards. Solar farms in Ohio are expected to generate a whopping $2.7 billion over the next four decades. These funds will directly benefit local communities, schools, and essential services like health systems and libraries.
Remarkably, this financial support doesn't affect the state funding allocated to schools. In short, it's a win-win, promoting renewable energy growth and bringing tangible benefits to Ohio's communities.
Community-wide
According to a July 2023 survey by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland, 75% of Americans express comfort with residing near a solar farm. These sentiments appear consistent regardless of location or political affiliation, with 66% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats embracing the idea of solar panels in their vicinity. Conversely, fewer than half of both Democrats and Republicans would endorse a nuclear power plant in their community. The poll reveals that 79% of urban dwellers, 74% of suburban residents, and 71% of rural inhabitants favor solar panel installations in their neighborhoods.
The Ohio Conservative Energy Forum reports that 70% of Ohio conservatives support solar energy. Failure to invest in solar energy generation in Ohio could lead to higher electricity costs for consumers, jeopardizing local employment opportunities and tax revenue essential for schools and infrastructure. Additionally, businesses with sustainability goals may seek locations outside Ohio if locally sourced renewable energy isn't provided to support their commitments.
