David Ahlfeld’s Dec. 28 column on “our fair share” of the solar transition leaves out some key points. While the Mt. Tom coal plan had a relatively small footprint, it’s toxic emissions had a far from invisible impact. It seems daunting at first glance that to replace it would take 500 acres of solar panels. However, with agrivoltaics the acreage of existing farmland can harvest sunlight twice — once as electricity and again as agricultural value.
Renewables can support local food systems, rather than displacing them. Traveling a few years ago in Denmark it was remarkable how many wind turbines are quietly churning out electricity on farms and on the coast. In urban areas the flat roofs of parking garages and warehouses can be used for solar arrays. If we use the land wisely we won’t have to devote 4,400 acres in Hampshire County solely to solar and wind.
Rich Geidel
Florence