Ben Wilson is joined by Dr. Zhenshan Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Ben will chat with Dr. Chen about his latest study “Impact of large-scale solar on property values in the United States: Diverse effects and causal mechanisms” including the methodology used, a note on previous studies and what makes this research unique. Later on in the episode, Ben is joined by Skyler to discuss how the US aluminum industry is faced with power issues.

Read Dr. Chen’s study: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418414122

Additional studies referenced:

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/solar-farms-dont-hurt-nearby-property-values-new-research-finds

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15032023/solar-property-values/
In the News Story: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-aluminum/us-manufacturing-power-challenges

Ben Wilson is joined by Energy Right Director of Policy and Engagement, Dylan Taylor to cover the 2025 Solar Farm Summit hosted in Chicago, IL. While there, they interviewed an array of experts including:

Iain Ward - Solar Agricultural Services Inc.

Ethan Winter - American Farm Trust

Austin Kinzer - American Farm Trust

Camren Maierle - American Lamb Board

James McKinon - Helical Solar

Stacie Peterson - American Solar Grazers Association

John Langdon - Solar Saves Farms

Jana Jenkins - Solar Saves Farms

Later on in the episode, Skyler joins Ben to discuss the proposal of a new transmission line through Northern VA.

In this episode, Skyler Zunk sits down with Susan and Rob from the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to explore how their work directly impacts Chambers and communities across the nation. They take time to discuss permitting reform, supporting good projects, and Rob and Susan provide advice for local Chamber leaders. Later, Ben Wilson joins Skyler for an in the news discussion centered around solar growth across the nation.

Learn more about the Chambers of Innovation and Clean Energy at https://www.chambersforinnovation.com/

The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right. To learn more about the Energy Right, visit www.energyrightus.org. Follow the America First Energy Podcast on X @AmericaFirstEP

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/us-construction-record-breaking