Sedgwick County commissioners have voted to approve a six-month moratorium on any large scale solar energy zoning applications.
The moratorium will suspend the application process for any large scale solar projects, such as wind farms or other operations that would generate and sell wholesale energy. It would not apply to homeowners or businesses that are putting up solar panels for their own use. The moratorium would also be in place for the unincorporated areas of the county, and it would not apply within cities and towns.
Reno, Harvey and Butler counties have had moratoriums in place or they have adopted new requirements for solar projects. Sedgwick County Commissioner David Dennis said a lot has changed and more information is available on solar energy. He said he is interested in the potential impact that commercial solar energy uses may have on the region and the community, including impacts on public safety, economic development, the environment and the aesthetics of such projects.
Dennis said the moratorium is only temporary and it will allow county staff to review the issues involved. He said he would prefer to have the most appropriate standards in place now than to wait and come up with standards in the midst of considering a solar application.
