The influx of solar farms is causing a stir in Kingsville.

As a result, Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has proposed legislation that would require solar facilities to be at least 1,000 feet apart.

Marks said the area is already saturated with solar farms with five already in District 5, which includes Kingsville, Perry Hall, Carney, White Marsh and Middle River. The law states that there should be no more than 10 per council district.

“I think that’s where the community is frustrated,” Marks said. “People recognize that solar energy is an important source of power, but there’s an argument to be made that it should not all be concentrated in certain communities.”

Bob Persaud is the latest developer who wants to install solar panels on a property that he owns on Pfeffers Road. However, his plans are generating backlash from locals.

“The community is overwhelmingly against this [solar farm],” Marks said.

Solar farms have grown popular in rural areas, buoyed by state policies that encourage renewable electricity generation. As a result, solar companies often approach farmers, asking to lease land for solar panels. However, some have raised concerns, advocating for limits on their use as they say solar panels shouldn’t be allowed in agricultural preservation areas or have.

Through attorney Patricia Malone, Persaud said he has followed all applicable Baltimore County regulations in seeking approval for a solar facility on his property. This includes complying with all environmental regulations and proposing to place close to 9 acres of the property into environmental easements.

“I took the time and effort to meet with Councilman David Marks and the Greater Kingsville Civic Association even before proceeding forward with this proposal,” Persaud said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. “After two years and at substantial cost, I then filed the required zoning petition and was prepared to attend the required public hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. Immediately prior to the hearing, Councilman Marks introduced a bill intended to stop this project instead of allowing the judge to hear and evaluate the case based on the evidence.

“To change the rules midstream in this way is a breach of fundamental fairness and puts Baltimore County in an unfavorable light with the business community generally.”

The County Council is expected to hold another hearing on Marks’ proposal April 1 and vote April 7.

“I’m confident it will pass,” Marks said. “I know the councilmembers sometimes don’t like to interfere with projects that are already in the development process. But I think the community has made a very compelling case that we are oversaturated in this one area.”

Persaud has other ideas.

“I hope that the other members of the council do not support this bill,” he said.

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