Community Divided Over Proposed Solar Development in Barren County

GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) – A proposed 2,300-acre solar facility in Barren County drew impassioned responses Tuesday night, as residents, labor union representatives, and community advocates filled the fiscal courtroom to testify at the only scheduled public hearing on the Wood Duck Solar project.

Hosted by the Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting, the hearing allowed locals to comment directly on the massive renewable energy proposal, which would place solar panels across 27 scattered parcels in the rural communities of Bon Ayr, Merry Oaks, Railton, and Park City.

Supporters argued the project, led by developers Geenex and Wood Duck Solar LLC, could usher in clean energy and new job opportunities. “These jobs are not temporary, but can lead to permanent career paths,” said T. Renfrow of Kentucky Laborers Local 1392. “This career will support working families by giving wages over $30 an hour and pensions by having local workers.”

Opponents, however, expressed deep concern about environmental risks, declining property values, lack of transparency, and cultural impacts, particularly for non-participating landowners and Amish families whose homes would be surrounded by solar panels.

“We are concerned with health issues and knowing that many of the chemicals used in these panels are hazardous material and cause cancer and other illnesses,” read Barbara Pennington on behalf of the Amish community. “Duck Solar will literally be taking good, healthy God-given food out of the mouth of our children.”

Several speakers questioned the legitimacy of the economic studies provided by Wood Duck Solar, particularly a property impact report submitted by consultant Kirkland LLC. David Hawkins, opposing,  scrutinized the report’s methodology.

“Kirkland lacks independence and its opinion was paid for by Geenex,” said Hawkins. “In my career, I’ve looked at hundreds of appraisals. This conclusion is invalid.” He instead cited independent data suggesting property values within one mile of solar farms could decline by up to 8.7% .

Residents also questioned the project’s decommissioning plan and long-term accountability, citing fears of land contamination, toxic runoff, and a lack of insurance and bonding requirements.

“The confidence to confidentiality of projects’ overall financing, the potential of the underestimated future cost, and the preemption of local control over the company represent tangible financial risk,” said Hawkins.

The proposed solar site’s proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park and its impact on wildlife and agriculture were mentioned frequently. Speakers described the land as not just scenic, but sacred.

“I love sitting in a tree stand and watching the sunrise in the morning, watching the squirrels digging around in the leaves, listening to the birds sing their morning songs,” Pennington said. “But with solar panels all around, our way of life will be forever gone.”

Still, others argued that Kentucky must diversify its energy sources, especially as traditional fossil fuel supplies wane.

“We can’t depend on those resources to be the only source of energy,” said Darrell Burks, a Wood Duck supporter from Barren County. “We have to use alternative sources. We’ve got one best source that God has ever created, and that’s our universe. We have the sun.”

Though Tuesday’s hearing was the public’s only in-person opportunity to weigh in locally, written comments can still be submitted through the Public Service Commission’s website. The Siting Board will also consider a formal evidentiary hearing in Frankfort this October.

Opponents believe this is just the beginning of their fight. “At the public hearing, opponents will have the opportunity to present the truth of the numbers and some of the fallacies in the studies,” said Paula Pedigo, a farm preservation advocate. “Farmland will never return to farming again. This is not a good project for Barren County.”

If you missed the meeting, comments can still be submitted online or by mail to 211 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40602. All submissions must include your name, address, and the case number: 2024-00337.

The Siting Board’s final decision could come later this year.