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I support the efforts of Citizens for a Bright Franklin County to bring the Prairie Sunlight solar project to our community. The proposed solar facility will bring decades of economic benefits to our community including school funding. We call on our county commissioners to review, consider, and approve the Prairie Sunlight application.

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Energy That Puts Us First

Citizens for a
Bright
Franklin County

Supporting the Prairie Sunlight Solar Project!

We, the citizens of Franklin County, are coming together to support the proposed Prairie Sunlight Solar Project, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to bring both economic and environmental benefits to our community.

Thisenergy project is more than just a new source of electricity. It offers significant economic development opportunities and will generate millions of dollars in new tax revenue, a large portion of which will directly support our K-12 schools. These funds will help ensure that our children have access to the resources they need to succeed and thrive for decades to come.

The economic impact is just the start! See below to learn more about the benefits for you and our community.

The Benefits for YOU
Economic Advantage

Job Creation

Solar energy boosts jobs in installation, and maintenance while supporting local economies.

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Job Creation

Short-Term Employment (Construction Phase): During the construction of solar PV installations, many workers are needed for site preparation, installation of panels, electrical work, and infrastructure development. This influx of labor supports local economies through wages and spending.

Long-Term Employment (Operational Phase): Once the solar plant is operational, there are ongoing jobs related to the maintenance and monitoring of the solar panels, system repairs, and operations management. These jobs tend to be stable and can last for the life of the facility (typically 25-30 years or more).

Indirect Jobs & Related Economic Benefits

Supply Chain Jobs: Beyond the direct workers on-site, there are numerous indirect jobs that arise as a result of the demand for materials (such as construction equipment) and services (such as logistics and transportation).

Increased Local Spending: Workers involved in the construction and operation of the solar farm often live in the surrounding area, contributing to the local economy by spending their earnings on housing, groceries, healthcare, and other services. This "induced" spending boosts local businesses and stimulates economic growth.

Citizens for a Brighter Franklin County - Small Sprouts growing from the ground

Sustainability

Solar energy reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, promoting environmental sustainability.

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Sustainability

Solar energy produces power without releasing any pollution, making them a vital tool in combating climate change. Unlike these traditional energy sources, solar panels produce power without releasing greenhouse gases, making them a vital tool in combating climate change. This clean energy alternative also helps decrease air pollution, improving public health and reducing the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular issues caused by poor air quality.

Sustainable Development: With solar energy generating a clean power source, the community benefits from reduced environmental impact, potentially attracting environmentally-conscious businesses and tourists, further boosting the local economy.

Community

Solar energy creates new jobs, and stimulates long term economic growth.

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Community

Increased Revenue: Solar PV facilities typically result in higher property taxes on the underlying land . The solar project is responsible for paying these assessed taxes. The new funds contribute significantly to the local tax base and can be used to support public services and community development projects.

Local Government Support: This additional revenue can allow local governments to improve or expand public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and emergency services. Enhanced public services can further improve the quality of life for residents.

Infrastructure Improvements

Better Roads and Utilities: In many cases, solar installations require improvements to local infrastructure, such as roads to transport materials and workers to the site. Once completed, these upgrades often remain as valuable community assets. In addition, solar projects can contribute to improvements in local energy infrastructure, such as upgrades to the electrical grid.

The Benefits for Our COMMUNITY

Education

Solar energy supports education by funding programs, fostering STEM careers, and raising environmental awareness.

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Education

Solar energy supports education by providing funding for programs and initiatives that promote learning and innovation. Many solar companies and renewable energy organizations invest in schools and communities, offering grants, scholarships, and resources for educational programs. These funds help equip classrooms with modern technology, improve facilities, and create hands-on learning opportunities for students, particularly in areas impacted by economic challenges.

Additionally, solar energy fosters the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers by inspiring the next generation of innovators. Solar projects often serve as educational tools, allowing students to learn about renewable energy systems, engineering principles, and sustainable practices. By engaging with solar technologies, students gain practical skills and exposure to growing career fields in renewable energy. Furthermore, solar energy initiatives raise environmental awareness, teaching students and communities about the importance of sustainability, climate action, and responsible energy use, empowering them to make informed decisions for a greener future.

Media

Solar energy is constantly in the news media and social media. Check out our media page for the latest on the Prairie Sunlight project.

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Media

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Landowners Share Why They Partnered with Solar Project

How Red Texas became a Model for Green Energy

Meet the New Solar Company Developing in Franklin County

Development

Solar energy supports development by reducing energy costs, improving infrastructure, and fostering environmental responsibility.

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Development

Solar energy has the potential to significantly reduce energy costs for households, businesses, and public institutions. By generating electricity from sunlight, solar power lowers utility bills and provides long-term savings, enabling funds to be redirected toward other critical areas of growth. For businesses, these savings can support expansion and job creation, while for municipalities, they can be reinvested in community programs and public services.

Additionally, solar energy improves infrastructure by driving advancements in energy systems and modernizing grids. Solar installations often include updates to electrical networks, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technologies, enhancing reliability and efficiency. Beyond economic and infrastructural benefits, solar energy fosters environmental responsibility by promoting a shift to renewable energy sources. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, curtails greenhouse gas emissions, and encourages sustainable practices, creating a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.

Lower Wholesale Energy Prices:

When solar farms produce energy on a large scale, they contribute to the overall electricity supply, which can lower wholesale prices, especially during times of high solar production (e.g., sunny days).

Energy Price Stability:

Solar farms can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which can be subject to price volatility. The relatively stable cost of solar power (since sunlight is free) can help stabilize energy prices in the long term.

Potential for Lower Utility Bills:

In areas with significant solar farm development, utilities may be able to reduce their reliance on expensive fossil fuels and provide cleaner, cheaper energy to customers.

Renewable Energy Standards:

Some governments set renewable energy targets that encourage the growth of solar farms, potentially leading to lower electricity costs as the proportion of renewable energy increases in the energy mix.

Revenue

Solar energy boosts revenue by lowering energy expenses over time, attracting investment, and creating new market opportunities.

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Revenue

Solar farms can have a notable impact on local and regional tax revenues in several ways. While the specifics vary depending on location, local tax laws, and the size of the solar farm, here’s a breakdown of how solar farms contribute to tax revenue:

Property Taxes

Increased Taxable Property Value: Solar farms typically result in an increase in the assessed value of the land where they are built. In many areas, the addition of solar panels to land increases the land’s taxable value, meaning the owner of the solar farm (whether a company or a private entity) will pay more in property taxes.

Tax Payments from Solar Companies: Large-scale solar farms are usually owned by companies, and those companies are subject to paying property taxes on the land and infrastructure associated with the farm (such as solar panels, inverters, and other equipment).

Sales and Use Taxes

Sales of Solar Equipment: In some areas, the purchase of equipment needed for the construction of solar farms (solar panels, inverters, etc.) is subject to sales tax. This can contribute significantly to local tax revenues, especially if the solar farm is large and requires substantial equipment purchases.

Tax on Development and Construction: During the development phase of solar farms, local municipalities may see an increase in sales taxes from construction materials, labor, and other services required to build the farm.

Impact on Local Jobs and Income Taxes

Job Creation: The construction, operation, and maintenance of solar farms create jobs in local communities. Workers employed in the solar industry are subject to income taxes, and these tax payments contribute to local tax revenues. This includes direct employment (e.g., construction workers, solar technicians) and indirect employment (e.g., suppliers, service providers).

Ongoing Local Employment: Once operational, solar farms typically require maintenance staff and other personnel, which generates further local income tax revenue.

Leave your name below to sign the petition!(Required)

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Enter Email Confirm Email

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Sign the Petition

I support the efforts of Citizens for a Bright Franklin County to bring the Prairie Sunlight solar project to our community. The proposed solar facility will bring decades of economic benefits to our community including school funding. We call on our county commissioners to review, consider, and approve the Prairie Sunlight application.

Sign the Petition

Advocate to Your Representative

Energy That Puts Us First

Citizens for aBright Franklin County

The Benefits for YOUEconomic Advantage

Job Creation

Job Creation

Indirect Jobs & Related Economic Benefits

Sustainability

Sustainability

Community

Community

Infrastructure Improvements

The Benefits for Our COMMUNITY

Education

Education

Media

Media

Development

Development

Revenue

Revenue

Property Taxes

Sales and Use Taxes

Impact on Local Jobs and Income Taxes

Sign the Petition

Sign the
Petition

Citizens for a
Bright
Franklin County

The Benefits for YOU
Economic Advantage