Bandera, Texas: Industrial Solar Controversy

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Bandera, TX: Industrial Solar

Industrial-Grade Solar Facility in Bandera: What You Need to Know

Pine Gate Renewables, a green energy company based on the East Coast, has leased land from private Bandera landowners to construct an industrial-grade solar facility. The energy produced will be sold outside the region, providing no direct benefit to local power needs.

In pursuit of favorable tax conditions, Pine Gate Renewables applied for a Chapter 313 tax abatement, which required approval from the Bandera Independent School District. However, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted against the proposal. Despite this, the development of the solar facility has moved forward, sparking ongoing controversy and concern within the community.

Many support green energy but advocate for its placement away from sensitive areas like pristine waters and drought-stricken regions. Key concerns include corporate transparency, fire mitigation preparedness, and decommissioning plans. Explore the videos below to learn more about ongoing legal challenges and community efforts addressing these issues.

Bandera, Texas, Lawsuit

Rio Lago Solar's Claims Don't Add Up

Water Challenges of Solar Farms

As Texas transitions to renewable energy sources, the water demands of large-scale solar farms pose significant challenges in the Hill Country:

Firstly, water is used to clean the solar panels regularly to maintain their efficiency, as dirt and dust buildup can reduce the panels' ability to capture sunlight. In arid and dusty regions, this cleaning process can require substantial amounts of water, as panels need frequent rinsing.

Additionally, water is essential for cooling systems that prevent overheating in certain types of solar facilities, especially those that concentrate sunlight, like solar thermal plants. Without proper cooling, the system can overheat and become less efficient, or even damaged.

In regions with limited water resources, such as rural or drought-prone areas, the water demands of solar farms can strain local water supplies. This is especially concerning if groundwater or agricultural wells are used to meet these needs, as it could impact water availability for other essential uses, such as farming, drinking water, and firefighting.

This situation raises important questions about the impact on agriculture, drinking water, and the overall sustainability of such projects.

Bandera residents wage legal battle over planned solar farm

Bandera landowners push for court intervention on solar farm project

Landowners claim solar company is breaking court order to halt construction of Bandera solar farm

Federal judge recommends temporary standstill of Bandera solar farm project

Around Texas

While Hill Country faces debates over green energy placement, state-wide industrial solar projects spark concern about what's coming to the region. Issues like hail damage, nearby properties being affected, and projects going offline have raised further alarm.

Texas residents have contamination concerns after solar panel's damaged

East Texas Solar Farm Contamination

Hail Smashes 4,000-Acre Solar Farm in Texas

More Bandera and Pine Gate Rewables/Rio Lago Solar Coverage:

Bandera, Texas, Lawsuit

Rio Lago Solar's Claims Don't Add Up

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