Positive Attitudes Towards Solar Farms Revealed
A recent US study revealed that the majority of residents living near large-scale solar projects are supportive of further developments in their vicinity. The study, published in an international science journal, highlighted that 82 per cent of neighbours would welcome more solar projects being built nearby. This positive sentiment was echoed by over 40 per cent of respondents who expressed favourable views towards renewable energy initiatives in their area.
Australian experts have noted similar trends among residents living near solar farms in regional areas. While the community’s acceptance of these projects is evident, experts emphasise the need for enhanced education and transparency to maintain this support.
Growing Renewable Energy Landscape in Australia
Australia has witnessed a significant increase in renewable energy projects, with 1.2 gigawatts of solar capacity added in 2024 across 14 large-scale projects, according to the Clean Energy Council. This surge in renewable energy initiatives underscores the shifting landscape towards sustainable energy sources.
Insights from the Study
The American study, conducted across 39 states and surveying 979 residents living near large-scale solar farms, revealed encouraging findings. A substantial proportion of respondents (43 per cent) expressed positive sentiments towards the solar projects, while 42 per cent remained neutral. Only 15 per cent reported negative feelings about the renewable energy installations.
Furthermore, when asked about their stance on additional solar projects in their vicinity, an overwhelming 82 per cent either supported or felt neutral towards the idea, with only 18 per cent expressing opposition.
Study author and University of Michigan associate professor Sarah Mills highlighted that the size of solar projects significantly influenced residents’ opinions. She debunked the notion of NIMBY (not in my backyard) opposition, emphasising that the community’s support for solar initiatives was more nuanced and multifaceted.
Community Engagement and Education
The study also shed light on the importance of engaging with local communities to address misinformation and enhance awareness about solar projects. Developers were urged to foster greater dialogue and transparency to ensure continued community acceptance and support.
These findings align with a 2024 study by Farmers for Climate Action, which reported that 73 per cent of individuals in renewable energy zones endorsed wind and solar projects. The widespread support for renewable energy initiatives was evident during the recent federal election, reflecting a positive outlook towards sustainable technologies.
Enhancing Support in Renewable Energy Zones
RE-Alliance national director Andrew Bray emphasised the need for increased support and engagement in renewable energy zones to keep residents informed. He suggested the establishment of local energy hubs by the federal government to provide accurate information and foster community involvement.
Despite the positive momentum in renewable energy adoption, Mr Bray highlighted the need for improved engagement practices to ensure that residents in these zones are adequately informed and empowered.
In 2024, Australian developers launched 21 renewable energy projects, including 14 large-scale solar developments and six wind projects, as reported by the Clean Energy Council. This continued investment in sustainable energy infrastructure underscores Australia’s commitment to transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable future.
