A proposed solar farm in Stockton has sparked debate among residents and officials. The project, tied to Meta Platforms, a company that has received over $82 million in tax abatements for its data centers, raises questions about transparency, environmental impact, and community involvement.
According to public records, the property in question was optioned by Silicon Ranch in May 2024, one month before it was formally listed for sale. 
An interconnection request was filed with the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) in January 2024. This means the plan was already in place before the option on the land was executed. 
After the option was signed, it is alleged that the owner placed covenants on the deed restricting the property to use for a solar power plant. The PSC approved the project on Dec. 2, 2025. 
All these actions appear to have been deliberately kept low-key, as if they wanted the community to feel it had no recourse and wouldn't fight back. While nothing surrounding the real estate transactions is illegal, it is an example of predatory practices that large corporations sometimes use – acquire unincorporated, un-zoned land at lower cost and minimize pushback from the surrounding communities. 
The project's approval has been met with criticism from some community members, who claim that they were not adequately informed about the proposal. The Baldwin County Commission and the Baldwin Alliance, the county's economic development agency, both claim to have had no knowledge of the project beforehand. The Alliance's board members include prominent local business leaders and officials.
Phone calls with a representative of the Alliance have raised eyebrows, however. This person admitted to signing a non-disclosure agreement, which undermines claims of ignorance of the project. "Maybe y'all will learn to vote differently," one caller was told. 
The property in question is listed on Zillow for sale with an asking price of $26.3 million and is owned by Stockton I-65 LLC, an entity tied to Roberts Development Company of Mobile, a subsidiary of Roberts Brothers Real Estate. The company has a history of buying and selling land in the area.
Environmental concerns have also been raised about the project. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have cited the area as "high-quality wetlands and habitat" and have identified endangered species, including the Swainson's Warbler and Brazilian water grasses. Gopher tortoises, protected under Alabama law, have also been found in the area.  
Other concerns are over health risks associated with the materials in the solar panels. Long-term exposure to cadmium telluride can result in severe kidney damage, lung cancer, bone diseases, and reproductive issues. Acute exposure may result in "metal fume fever," pulmonary edema, and gastrointestinal distress. Signals/frequencies emitted by the power plant have been noted to interfere with CB/ham radio, aircraft, and even healthcare devices such as pacemakers. 
The project's developers claim that the solar farm will provide renewable energy for Meta's data centers. However, if these solar power plants (or farms) are so great, then why did Montgomery/Montgomery County kick it to the curb? Why is Meta willing to run a 150-mile extension cord to Montgomery? 
The Stockton community deserves answers about this project and its potential impact on the area. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that the community's interests are protected and trust in government officials is restored. 
After all, the growing number of county residents in the Stop Solar in Stockton group are willing to take it to the voting booth.
Laura Lane is a resident of Baldwin County.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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