Utility-Scale Solar in the Great Lakes: Analyzing Community Reactions to Solar Developments

Emma Uebelhor, Olivia Hintz, Sarah B. Mills and Abigail Randall
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Emma Uebelhor: Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Olivia Hintz: Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Sarah B. Mills: Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Abigail Randall: Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: In the coming years, it is expected that reliance on utility-scale solar projects for energy production will increase exponentially. As a result, communities throughout the Midwest will become potential solar facility hosts. Previous research has sought to identify factors that influence community support and opposition to solar developments throughout the country. This paper builds upon prior research by examining community perceptions about the economic, environmental, local and global impact of solar projects in four Great Lakes states using a content analysis of local newspaper articles. Ultimately, this paper identifies the most common perceptions of solar facilities and offers some preliminary suggestions on strategies to mitigate the most prevalent concerns.

Keywords: utility-scale solar energy; renewable energy; public acceptance; Midwest; content analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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