Night Along the Solar Fence Line
- Chuck Bueter
- Jul 24
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 3
To fulfill its stated Vision, the SJC Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth (IPG) should "enable smart and sustainable growth in St. Joseph County (IN) to the benefit of all its residents.” Few industries bring or add significant quality of life to a previously rural region with their footprints. Fortunately, for half of its entire lifespan--the half from sunset to sunrise--a solar energy project delivers many of those most elusive yet desired upsides.
I write the Area Plan Commission, a division of the IPG, as it considers Ordinance 47-25, which impedes the solar industry and the documented benefits solar brings. In Night Along the Solar Fence Line-July 30.pdf I present observations and quantified measurements pertaining to half the lifespan of large scale solar energy systems (LS-SES). Unlike any other large business, half of a solar energy system's presence is unseen, has almost no impact on the nightscape, and greatly builds up the Quality of Life pillar.
My testimony concludes, "The APC should deny Ordinance 47-25—not the quality of life that solar energy delivers."
The SJC Area Plan Commission meets August 19, 2025, to evaluate Ordinance 47-25, with details to be announced at SJC Agenda Center.
[Note: Night Along Solar Fence Line (July-30 PDF) was updated July 29, 2025.]
