Letter to the Editor - Use of solar

I am having difficulty understanding that Cherokee County would limit the amount of acres for solar panels. It appears that there is not a reason but just that you are opposed to them. Solar panels may have an aesthetic appeal, based on feelings, similar to livestock facilities but they do not smell, pollute the air or ruin roads. There does not appear to be any acreage requirements or numbers for turkey buildings, hog buildings or cattle confinements, so why limitations on solar panels?

There has been an argument concerning taking land out of production and thus reducing money spent in the county. However it appears that there are many acres of CRP land in Cherokee County, some of which is prime farm land. Several outside corporations own livestock buildings taking finances away from the county. There does not seem to be a limit on harvest of crop acres but at the same time one is limited on the amount of sun that can be harvest if one chooses to harvest the sun. One can understand if the crop interferes with the livelihood of neighbors and others but solar harvesting does not interfere with anything other than perceptions of appearance. In addition, solar energy actually uses energy produced by the suns which would produce a cooling effect rather than heating up the atmosphere.

Are we forward thinking with concerns about the atmosphere and excessive pollution or is this a way to not plan ahead? Certainly electricity will become more expensive in the future and will use up much of our resources.

Lastly should one not be able to use land as one sees fit as long as they do not interfere with others, are not polluting the atmosphere or water supply, and causing economic hardship? I trust that you would make a wise decision that will benefit the county and the individuals that live in the county.

Harold J. Post, Cherokee County resident, crop and livestock farmer and property wwner