Solar Installations Make Good Neighbors - CleanTechnica

A recent study published in June 2025 reveals that a significant majority (82%) of people living within about three miles of large-scale solar installations view them as good neighbors, with most either supporting or feeling neutral about additional solar projects in their area. The research, which surveyed 979 respondents across 39 states near solar projects installed between 2017 and 2021, found that 43% felt positive about their local solar installation, 42% were neutral, and only 15% felt negative. These attitudes closely mirrored support for new solar projects, with 43% in favor, 39% neutral, and 18% opposed. The study challenges the simplistic "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) explanation for opposition to renewable energy, suggesting that local attitudes are shaped by complex social, economic, and political factors. Key influences on support include the size of existing projects—larger installations tend to reduce support for new ones—and subjective perceptions such as impacts on community quality of