United States town rejects solar panels saying they suck energy from sun

In news worthy of satire, the town council of Woodland, North Carolina rejected a proposal that would allow the Strata Solar Company to build a solar farm off Highway 258.

Retired science teacher Jane Mann said in the meeting that she was concerned that the solar panels would prevent photosynthesis, which depends on sunlight, from occuring.

Ms Mann also questioned the number of cancer deaths in the area, saying there was no proof solar panels didn't cause cancer.

In a public comment session on the proposed Strata Solar Company farm, Woodland resident Bobby Mann claimed the farm would absorb all the solar energy in the area, which would drive away business, The Independent reported.

Woodland was a popular choice for solar farms because of its electrical substation that could be hooked up to a grid.

That's all well and good (maybe not really good, but totally their call), but then their residents' concerns on the issue pretty much came within one Star Wars filibuster of being a Parks and Rec episode.

Three solar farms have already been approved in the area, but the local residents are seemingly not impressed.

As for cancer concerns, there is no known link between solar power plants and cancer.

'Until we can find if anything is going to damage this community, we shouldn't sign any paper, ' she said. "I want information." A representative from the company that floated the proposal assured everyone that solar panels make use only of the sunlight that hits them directly and "don't draw additional sunlight", but the nays still won the day. Her husband added that solar panels "suck up all the energy from the sun".

"You're killing your town", he said. I don't see the profit for the town. She said her home was now surrounded by solar farms and no longer worth its value.

By the end of the meeting the council voted on a moratorium on the building of future solar farms.