Solar Farmlands in Northumberland County

Method/Approach

• Initial Research

Began the research with a broad focus on solar developments in the US, particularly in Pennsylvania. Reviewed and annotated various articles related to solar energy projects to understand broader trends and contexts. 

• Focused Research

The focus was specifically on Northumberland County. Collected data from local sources, including news coverages over the past 20 years, archival documents, and Northumberland County public meetings archives.

• Timeline Creation

Utilized Google Sheets to create a detailed timeline that organizes and tracks the progression of solar energy projects in Northumberland County. The timeline is structured with the following key columns:

Year: Capture the year in which significant events or milestones occur. 

Initiatives / Setbacks: Record key initiatives and major setbacks, including detailed descriptions of each.

Key People: List individuals involved in the projects, such as public figures, project leaders, and other relevant parties.

Company / Organization: Identify the companies or organizations associated with each event or initiative.

Newspapers Covering the Topic: Reference newspapers and media outlets that reported on the events, providing additional context and details.

• Data Analysis

Examined the sequence of events and their implications to identify patterns, trends, and key factors influencing the success or setbacks of solar projects. Analyzed the economic, environmental, and policy impacts on local communities.

Reflection 

Reflecting on my research into solar farmlands in Northumberland County, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity and significance of this field. I started by exploring solar energy projects across the United States, focusing on Pennsylvania. This broad perspective was essential for understanding the general trends and challenges in solar energy. By reviewing and annotating various articles, I was able to get a big-picture view of how solar projects are evolving and what factors are at play. As I shifted focus to Northumberland County, the research became more detailed and local. I gathered data from local news sources, archival documents, and public meeting records. This local perspective was crucial for understanding how solar projects are developing specifically in this area. It involved delving into the specifics of regional initiatives, setbacks, and the reactions of the community. 

Creating a detailed timeline using Google Sheets was a key part of the research. This timeline helped me organize and track the progress of solar energy projects over the years. By breaking down the timeline into phases like planning, development, and operational stages, I could see how each project evolved and where it encountered challenges. This structured approach allowed me to visualize the milestones and understand the various factors affecting the success or setbacks of these projects.  Analyzing the data revealed important insights into how different elements, from policy changes to technological advancements, influence solar energy projects. This helped answer our main research question about the evolution of solar projects in Northumberland County and their impact on the community. 

Overall, this project has highlighted the value of detailed, localized research in understanding solar energy development. It’s shown me how important it is to look closely at local dynamics while keeping an eye on broader trends. This research journey has not only deepened my understanding of solar energy but also underscored the importance of thorough, data-driven exploration in addressing complex issues.