RALEIGH, NC – (March 2, 2026) The Carolinas Development Assistance and Siting Hub (DASH), an initiative led by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center at NC State University, has announced the publication of two updated whitepapers addressing health, safety, and land use impacts of solar photovoltaic (PV) development.

These resources provide data-driven analysis for local governments, landowners, and community stakeholders as the Carolinas continue to integrate renewable energy into their rural and agricultural landscapes. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program, the release of these papers is part of the hub’s mission to provide science-based educational resources regarding energy siting and permitting in the Carolinas. While these resources were developed as a part of the Carolinas DASH project, the information in them is broadly applicable to solar in other states.

Health and Safety: Updating the Technical Record

The first publication, “Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics,” provides a comprehensive update to a 2017 resource. With solar PV installations continuing to grow in number in the Carolinas and around the country, it is more important than ever to dispel myths and misconceptions and address very real concerns about these energy projects.

This paper provides new information and references new research to document common ideas about the health and safety impacts of solar energy, contextualize them, and provide responses and strategies for mitigating them. The information presented covers the material components of solar installations and debunks toxicity concerns about panels, racking, mounting, and wiring. It also addresses myths regarding electromagnetic fields, operations and maintenance, vegetation control, and fire risk.

“It’s necessary to be skeptical and vigilant about the health and safety of our communities, especially when considering whether to build new energy installations. However, we’re hopeful that this paper shows that solar photovoltaics are not particularly dangerous,” said Nick Montoni, Senior Program Director of Policy and Markets at NC Clean Energy Technology Center. 

The paper’s central finding is that solar energy is no more dangerous or unsafe than fossil fuel generation; in many metrics, it represents a cleaner and safer option for the community.

To read the full “Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics” paper, click here

 

Solar PV and Agricultural Land Use: Analysis of “Change in Use”

The second paper, “Solar Photovoltaic Development of Agricultural Land: Observations, Analysis, and Research on Change in Use,” updates research originally published in 2019. Agriculture is a major driver of many state economies, including North and South Carolina’s. At the same time, solar PV installations continue to grow with rising electricity demand and cost-competitive technologies, underscoring questions and concerns around balancing solar development and agriculture.

This paper examines such questions, providing findings from recent research on the impact of solar on agricultural land use, soil health, erosion, vegetation management, and soil contamination. Research shows that best management practices and proper decommissioning can help reduce environmental impacts, and one analysis finds that solar development makes up a comparatively smaller percentage of agricultural and cropland conversion than other development categories.

“The costs and benefits of any new use for productive farmland are often not evenly shared by a community, and concerns on such change deserve attention,” said Robert Andrew Branan, JD, Associate Extension Professor, Agricultural and Environmental Law, Agriculture and Resource Economics at NC State University. “We hope this paper furthers local dialogue – and perhaps more research – into concerns on the real impact of a landowner’s decision to change the use of their farmland to renewable energy production.”

The paper further provides a practical guide to examining solar development processes, as well as impacts on property values, value streams, and future agricultural land use for farmers and their communities. Moving forward, thoughtful planning, transparent permitting processes, and informed land stewardship practices can ensure that solar PV development complements, rather than compromises or deters, agricultural productivity and rural community resilience.

To read the full “Solar Photovoltaic Development of Agricultural Land: Observations, Analysis, and Research on Change in Use” paper, click here

 

About the NC Clean Energy Technology Center

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating, and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach, and training. For more information about the  Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu. Twitter: @NCCleanTech  

 

About the Carolinas DASH

The Carolinas Development Assistance and Siting Hub (DASH) provides technical assistance and education to local governments in North and South Carolina. Led by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center in partnership with regional stakeholders, the hub is designed to help communities make informed, balanced decisions regarding renewable energy siting and permitting.

The full white papers and additional technical resources are available at: carolinas-dash.org

 

Media Contact: Shannon Helm, NCCETC, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu