Public commenters urge support for solar, agrivoltaics; commissioners plan policy refresh

Two residents used the public-comment period Dec. 12 to press the commission on large solar projects and agrivoltaics.

Lori Lawrence cited Farmers Union positions backing renewable development and agrivoltaics, urging that "farmers, landowners, neighbors of solar installations and communities" be treated fairly with project transparency and "fair revenue sharing." She offered to share Farmers Union policy documents with commissioners.

Jesse Moore (who identified his address in Southwest Wichita) said large solar farms can boost school tax revenues and listed projected distributions: "Haysville will get $13,000,000 for the school system. Clearwater will get $16,000,000 and Goddard about $8,000,000," and he contrasted solar’s funding model with proposed gas plants he said would cost ratepayers about $35,000,000. Moore also described battery safety choices, saying the project plans to use "lithium iron phosphate batteries" and that the developer will post a deconstruction bond to cover removal if the company fails.

Chairman Beatty said county staff will hold a meeting in January to remind the public and the commission of Sedgwick County’s existing solar policies and to address common community questions. The board voted to receive and file the public comments.