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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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Development that Supports Sustainability

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.

This energy 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.

Local Farm Families and Community!
Real Economic Benefit for Franklin County

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Neighbor Benefit Programs

Many solar projects create programs that provide annual payments to nearby residents. These programs help ensure that the economic benefits extend beyond participating landowners and support neighbors living near the project.

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Solar Neighbor Programs

Developers frequently establish programs that deliver direct economic benefits to residents living near (or close proximity to) a solar project. These programs typically involve annual payments made during the construction phase and continue throughout the operational lifespan of the project. Such initiatives aim to share the financial rewards of clean energy development with neighboring communities, strengthen local support, and promote long-term positive relationships between developers and residents.

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Community Investment

Solar projects can provide significant local revenue through tax payments and community benefit funds that support schools, emergency services, roads, and local programs.

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County Benefits Fund

Solar developers frequently partner with county governments to establish annual payments that serve as alternatives to traditional property taxes. The purpose is to provide counties with a stable, predictable revenue stream throughout the life of the project.

The funds are typically allocated to support county-identified priorities—such as infrastructure improvements, special community initiatives, and enhanced emergency response capabilities through upgraded equipment and resources.

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Local Jobs and Opportunity

Construction and operations bring new economic activity to rural communities, supporting local contractors, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Partnerships with and funding provided to youth-based STEM and Ag programs help mold the next generation of industry leaders.

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5 - Citizens for a Brighter Franklin County

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

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Education

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

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Education

The development of solar farms can generate substantial long-term financial benefits for local school districts. As the assessed value of the land within the project increases due to the installation of solar infrastructure, property tax revenues rise accordingly. The majority of these increased tax payments is allocated to public school systems. This additional funding can help school districts enhance educational programs, upgrade facilities, hire staff, or invest in new technology. By contributing to a broader tax base, solar farms play a role in strengthening the quality of local education and supporting long-term community development.

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.

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Development

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

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Solar energy supports local economic growth by both reinforcing the existing economy and attracting new business opportunities.

The presence of a solar farm can act as a catalyst for broader community development. These projects often require improvements to local infrastructure—such as roads, electrical substations, and broadband networks—which can benefit surrounding areas and attract additional investment.

Solar farms also create opportunities for local job creation, both during construction and through long-term maintenance contracts. The increased tax revenues and community benefit payments generated by these projects can fund public services, support small businesses, and stimulate growth in sectors like housing, retail, and education. Over time, solar development can help transform rural or underutilized land into hubs of economic activity and long-term sustainability.

The development of solar farms brings direct investment into communities through construction jobs, service contracts, and material purchases from local suppliers. In turn, this economic activity supports small businesses, boosts demand for skilled labor and circulates money within the local economy.

Moreover, access to reliable, renewable energy can make communities more attractive to businesses seeking sustainable operations. As a result, solar development not only contributes to immediate economic gains but also helps position communities as forward-thinking and business-friendly environments.

Property Taxes

Increased Taxable Property Value: Solar farms often lead to a significant increase in the assessed value of the land on which they are developed. In many jurisdictions, the installation of solar infrastructure—such as panels, racking systems, and related equipment—elevates the overall taxable value of the property. As a result, the solar farm owner, whether a private entity or a company, typically pays higher property taxes. This increase contributes additional revenue to local governments and school districts, supporting essential public services and infrastructure.

Sales and Use Tax

Remove Sales of Solar Equipment

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.

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Conservation

Solar farms give the land a rest from intensive farming, helping restore soil health while providing income to farm families.

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Revenue

Property Taxes

Sales and Use Taxes

Impact on Local Jobs and Income Taxes

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

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.

Solar in the News

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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

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

First Last

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

Development that Supports Sustainability

Citizens for aBright Franklin County

Local Farm Families and Community!Real Economic Benefit for Franklin County

Neighbor Benefit Programs

Solar Neighbor Programs

Community Investment

County Benefits Fund

Local Jobs and Opportunity

Community

Infrastructure Improvements

The Benefits for Our COMMUNITY

Education

Education

Development

Solar energy supports local economic growth by both reinforcing the existing economy and attracting new business opportunities.

Revenue

Revenue

Property Taxes

Sales and Use Taxes

Impact on Local Jobs and Income Taxes

Conservation

Revenue

Property Taxes

Sales and Use Taxes

Impact on Local Jobs and Income Taxes

Sustainability

Sustainability

Solar in the News

Sign the Petition

Sign the
Petition

Citizens for a
Bright
Franklin County

Local Farm Families and Community!
Real Economic Benefit for Franklin County