The Sussex County Council in early April approved a conditional use permit for a solar array on 91 acres in the Dagsboro area in the far southern area of Sussex County.
Millsboro Solar has proposed the array for the solar farm is off Nine Foot and Gum Tree roads.
A neighbor argued that the site was too close to homes, lowered property values and carried health risks to residents in the area.
The Planning Commission had earlier determined that the site is in a low-density area that could support the project.
“Based on the analysis of the land use, surrounding zoning and uses, the Conditional Use for a solar array facility could be considered consistent with the land use, area zoning and uses,” a letter from planners concluded.
The Delaware State News reported that the developer is Sun Energy, one of the nation’s largest developers of commercial (non-residential) solar sites.
The State News also reported that the neighbor objecting to the project could not present evidence on the health risks of solar power.
Opposition has been growing regarding solar projects, with some foes claiming that heat generated from the panels and chemical used in solar projects are issues. Delaware-based DuPont Co. is a manufacturer of materials used in solar panels.
Delaware has seen growth in solar power projects as the price of solar panels has dropped. The state also has a mandate calling for 25 percent of its power to come from renewable sources by 2025.
Tariffs on China the Trump administration have affected home solar projects, but not large commercial projects, which continue to move forward.
Since the tariffs were imposed the price of Chinese solar panels plunged after the government ended subsidies and companies in the giant nation sharply cut prices, Quartz reported.
