Concerns over noise pollution from a proposed solar inverter installation dominated discussions at the Sussex County Council meeting on June 17, 2025. Residents voiced their frustrations about the placement of inverters near a residential community, emphasizing that many chose to live in the area for its tranquility.

One resident highlighted the proximity of the inverters to homes, stating, “I bought on a dead end street... for quiet.” This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed worries about the potential noise disrupting their peaceful environment, particularly in a community designed for those aged 55 and over.

In response, Michael Redding from ECA Solar addressed the concerns, explaining that an engineering barrier system has been designed to mitigate sound. He assured attendees that the barrier would effectively reduce noise within a 100-foot radius, stating, “If we put this barrier here, we should mitigate this 100%.” Redding emphasized that the design would blend aesthetically with the surroundings while being tall enough to capture sound effectively.

The discussion underscored the ongoing tension between renewable energy development and community comfort, as residents seek assurances that their quality of life will not be compromised by new infrastructure. The council's next steps will likely involve further assessments of the proposed design and its impact on the local community.