Cutting Down Ohio Forests For Solar Farms

The Environmental Costs of Deforestation for Renewable Energy Projects

The Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA) supports solar and wind energy and believes Ohio needs fuel diversity. The OPGA takes an “all of the above” approach to energy. Technological breakthroughs show that fossil and alternative energies, such as hydrogen, will be near net zero. Fuel diversity fuels innovation.​

The Case of Madison County, Ohio

In recent years, Madison County has become Ohio’s central hub for solar energy. With three operating solar farms collectively generating about a gigawatt of electricity—enough to power all households in Columbus—the county is at the forefront of this renewable energy expansion. However, this rapid development has sparked debates among farmers, residents, and policymakers about balancing renewable energy projects and traditional agricultural practices. ​farmonaut.com

A National Issue: Solar Farms and Deforestation

The concern about deforestation in Madison County is not unique. Across the United States, expanding solar energy projects has raised uneasiness about deforestation and land use for renewable energy. ​farmonaut.com

  • Massachusetts: Since 2010, approximately 60% of the 8,000 acres cleared for solar fields were forested, reducing the state’s capacity to sequester carbon emissions.​

  • North Carolina: Large solar farms have disrupted wetlands and forests, impacting local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.​

  • California: In the Mojave Desert, solar installations have destroyed habitats for native species, including desert tortoises and birds, raising concerns about irreversible ecological damage.​

While these projects aim to reduce carbon emissions, they tend to ignore the immediate and lasting environmental damage caused by deforestation and habitat destruction.​

Destruction of Ecosystems and Wildlife

Clearing forests for solar farms leads to biodiversity loss and disrupts ecosystems. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has issued directions for proposed solar energy facilities, emphasizing the importance of avoiding impacts to federal or state-listed and protected species. The ODNR recommends that developers avoid existing wetlands and adjacent woodlands, maintaining appropriate buffers to preserve ecological integrity. ​Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

Deforestation Increases Emissions

Forests are crucial in capturing and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees are cut down for solar farms, the carbon stored in the vegetation and soil is released back into the atmosphere, potentially offsetting the climate benefits of the solar energy produced. Research suggests that it takes decades for solar panels to compensate for the carbon loss resulting from deforestation.​

Deforestation Leads to Soil Erosion and Water Pollution

Removing trees destabilizes soil, increasing erosion and sedimentation in water. In Ohio, the ODNR’s guidance for solar energy facilities advises avoiding unstable land surfaces and maintaining a “buffer area” around wetlands and waterways to prevent soil erosion and protect water quality. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

Final Thoughts

The case of Madison County, Ohio, highlights a broader issue: the potential environmental impact of renewable energy programs involving deforestation and land-use changes. It is necessary to find sustainable and long-lasting solutions that do not disrupt natural ecosystems for energy production. Strategies such as agrivoltaics, which combine solar energy production farming practices, offer favorable alternatives that balance renewable energy development with environmental conservation. ​WSJ