Rockfall Solar One LLC, backed by solar developer Verogy, is proposing to build a solar farm on six acres of forested land along the Coginchaug River.  This location, on private land located at 39 Cherry Hill Rd, involves clear-cutting 100-ft tall, mature pine trees with additional grading, excavation and leveling of the land. The solar developer has told our Planning & Zoning Commission that this proposal will not benefit the town and its residents in any way, only the landowner and the solar developer.  Despite the town incurring costs in this proposal, even in the reviewing process, solar tax incentives would prevent the town from even raising the property tax of the landowner, who is leasing his land to the solar developer.  

Please don’t think we are against solar energy, solar farms or renewable energy. We are not. To tear down the forest to put up solar panels will never be the right thing to do, no matter where it occurs. Everyone knows that the appropriate place for solar arrays is up, out of the way, on rooftops, or raised over parking lots, or at a minimum, on already cleared lands. Verogy, the developer behind Rockfall Solar One LLC, knows this. Verogy touts this point on their website, and in their ads. They slap themselves on the back in ads, that they have built solar arrays over capped former landfills, in Middletown, and other nearby towns. We agree, a capped, former landfill is indeed an excellent place for solar arrays and a win-win for the cities and towns involved. But they can’t have it both ways, where it is also just as okay to clear-cut forested land. At some point, it becomes less about a noble renewable energy cause, and more about the all-mighty dollar. Renewable energy should be about working together with nature, not destroying it. Have we all forgotten that trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen in the process of photosynthesis?  

Under the proposal here in Middlefield, only 6 acres of the (landowners) 30 acres will be used for energy generation, producing .975 Megawatts. We believe this is significant that it is just under 1 megawatt, because anything above 1 megawatt is required to go before the CT Siting Council. This is a State Agency that approves site locations for energy generators, balancing public needs with environmental protection.  I don’t know about you, but clear cutting 100-foot trees, some of which are on a major river watershed is certainly an instance where there should be environmental oversight by an impartial third party. Another reason why the proposal is just under 1 megawatt might be because of the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed last July by Congress. In it, federal solar tax incentives got the chopping block. In order for projects to qualify for remaining credits, projects must begin construction this year or enter into generation service no later than the end of 2027. Projects going before the CT Siting Council might get delayed, and proposals are at risk of losing these federal solar tax incentives.  Lastly, Gov. Lamont signed decommissioning legislation into law which means that “large” solar projects must provide upfront bonds to cover the restoration of forests or farmland after the project is decommissioned. It is no coincidence that the proposed project in our town is too small and that doesn’t apply here. The lease of the land is generally for 20 years because that is the lifespan of the solar panels’ usefulness. Currently recycling used solar panels is few and far between, and in most cases used panels go to landfills, sometimes hazardous waste sites.  

Other concerns we have include:  
1. The environmental impact on the river. The Coginchaug River Watershed Plan (on our 
town website) is a plan approved by both the DEEP and the EPA. This plan advises that 
only low-impact development should occur along the river. Other nearby towns share 
this Watershed plan. The approval of this proposed project by the Inland Wetlands 
Commission in March was conducted prior to a public walk-through of the proposed 
site, where it was learned about the size of the trees being cleared and the grading of 
the land involved. The type and size of the trees being cleared are exactly the type that 
prevents soil run-off and filter pollutants from reaching our waterways. The Inland 
Wetlands Commission has not informed the town residents about what they considered in their actions.  
2. Communication in general by the town to the residents of these types of proposals 
should be better, as they may impact all residents, not just abutters. We have found that 
almost none of the town residents are aware of this project proposal. Information about 
this proposed project is largely not accessible on the town website.   
3. The cost of fire protection to the town. There have been recent fires at other solar arrays across the State. Many fire-fighting personnel have not received training for fighting fires involving solar panels. Is there increased danger to neighboring houses and land to fire damage with this proposal?  
4. The need for a full site plan review by the Town’s zoning board, and how this plan does 
not fit into the current rules for light industrial development.   
5. Middlefield is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. Introducing large solar arrays would disrupt this peaceful atmosphere. Studies indicate that such installations can have adverse effects on property values in the vicinity (source: National Assoc. of Realtors).   
6. These projects have failed to contribute their fair share of taxes to the towns hosting the arrays. As a result, towns are left with deficits instead of revenue-generating 
opportunities.  

                                                                                                                                    
Please join us in preserving the unique character of our community by signing this petition to halt the installation of this solar farm in our small Middlefield community. Your support can help protect our homes, environment, and way of life.