Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 77F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..
Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 66F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph.
Updated: April 8, 2026 @ 3:43 am
Reader D. writes the following in response to my column about Duke Energy’s large solar projects in central Florida.
“I would like to know where you find solar is cheaper. I own a farm in Ohio. I put 50 Acres of my 185 Acre farm in Solar about 4 years ago. Blossom Solar is an over 1,000-acre project.
“It is currently being built. Probably a big mistake. It is on the back half of my farm. My daughter farms the rest and is totally against it. My son is for it; he likes the income it generates. It is for 30 Years.
“It has been a fight of lies and deception, to the point that I had to involve a lawyer. It was not supposed to change the lay of the land. They have been moving dirt, building roads, and destroying our waterways. I have had a semi stuck in my yard, and now I have to get a landscaper to fix it.
“They have caused damage to other fields; they had to pay my daughter damages. I totally researched this before ever signing. It was sure sugar-coated. They promised everything.
“We have been going through the Ohio Power Sighting Board regarding many of the issues. I now try to inform people what they are getting into. And for what? I am told they will account for only 3% of electricity. Do you have any idea how much is spent to get these solar panels to the production stage?
“Think of the fossil fuel used to develop these solar companies. All the equipment is moving dirt and hauling in stones to build roadways around the site. Building power plants, changing to bigger poles on all our roads. It is unreal.
“They should have done much more research and conducted a cost analysis. I think someone is filling their pockets, probably for voter kickbacks. It is not cost-effective. Prove me otherwise, I challenge you. My electric bill has increased by more than 100% over the last 3-4 years. There are at least 5 to 6 or more of these 1,000-acre projects in operation right now.
“I have heard that a personal solar panel at your house or in your yard can help reduce your electric bill. I don’t see any benefit on my electric bill from the panels on my farm. I do get rent for the land. My biggest question, which I have not yet found a good answer to, is what if the glass is broken and the pieces end up in the dirt. How is that cleaned up?
“I won’t be here to see the end of the 30 years. The contract says they will remove and put everything back like it was. Do you really think that will happen? I wish I could see the result.
“I will have to school all my kids and grandchildren. In the meantime, millions of acres of prime farmland are being destroyed. I hope this country will have enough good farmland left to feed the people. I sure would hate to depend on China to feed us. There has got to be a better way. Thank you for your time.” – D.
Readers, what do you think? Share your thoughts.
David Dunn-Rankin is chairman of D-R Media, which owns the Triangle Sun and Clermont Sun, as well as newspapers in Highlands, Polk and Sumter counties. He can be reached at david@d-r.media.
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