solar

A proposed solar farm in eastern Kansas could be the largest in the state, but not everyone is excited about 2,000 acres of panels being built in their backyard. Plus: How some Midwestern states are getting creative in their attempts to attract tourists.

Hundreds attended the Go Green environmental fair on Saturday, which brought businesses and advocacy groups together from across nine Johnson County cities to educate residents on ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact in their communities.

Johnson and Douglas counties approved regulations allowing the construction of what would be the largest utility-scale solar farm in Kansas. But while residents say they support green energy, there's a vocal contingent pushing back against building 2,000 acres of panels so close to their communities.

A recent feasibility study found that if crews cleared trees and other environmental features, the site could produce 500 megawatts, enough to power about one-third of the city’s homes.

Johnson County commissioners rejected solar farm rules from the planning commission that had been criticized as some of the most restrictive in the country. The new regulations open the door to a large project planned for Johnson and part of Douglas County.

Although energy efficiency measures are shown to lower utility bills, it's the upfront costs that play more into whether a consumer will invest in renewable energy. “We care about society," one Missouri researcher says, "but we care more about our own selves.”

An energy company is interested in building a huge array of solar panels in western Johnson County and eastern Douglas County. But regulations passed last year by the Johnson County Commission have been criticized as being so unfriendly that they would discourage solar development entirely.

Platt is happy with the progress Kansas City has made, but knows there's more to be done.

The Johnson County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a set of regulations governing utility-scale solar farms. Supporters of a proposed solar farm project outside Gardner say the new regulations are too restrictive, while opponents of the project are angry any allowances have been given at all.

If the effort succeeds, the project would generate up to 300 megawatts of power, enough to serve city power needs plus the energy needs of city residents.

A Florida-based company is moving forward with plans to build what would be the biggest commercial solar farm in the state of Kansas. It's projected to generate enough power for tens of thousands of homes.

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are making coal increasingly less attractive as a way to generate electricity.