Susie De Giacomo critiques solar panel recycling at community meeting

Concerns over solar farm impacts dominated the Iredell County Planning Board meeting on June 4, 2025, as residents voiced strong opposition to proposed solar developments. Susie De Giacomo, a local resident, highlighted significant issues surrounding solar panel recycling and environmental risks, arguing that the costs of recycling are prohibitively high and that solar farms can harm local ecosystems.

De Giacomo referenced a troubling case in Williamsburg, where a developer faced over $1 million in penalties for damaging protected streams and wetlands due to a solar farm. She emphasized the need for thorough research, suggesting that many claims about the safety and efficacy of solar energy are biased due to funding from federal subsidies.

The resident also raised alarms about potential noise pollution from solar inverters, which she claimed could disrupt the peace of nearby homes. She warned of broader implications, including health risks and the potential loss of federal subsidies that could shift financial burdens onto taxpayers.

The meeting underscored a growing divide in the community regarding renewable energy initiatives, with residents calling for more transparency and consideration of the long-term impacts of solar farms. As discussions continue, the Planning Board faces the challenge of balancing environmental goals with community concerns.