Outbidding the Trees, 2024

Oil on curved panel

60 in x 72 in x 7.5 in

Outbidding the Trees disabuses the illusion that solar panels are being installed primarily on rooftops or industrial wastelands. Solar fields are in direct competition for the sunlight that falls on our forests, desert ecology, and farmland. Solar production interests have chosen these locations for 90% of new installations because they are more economical than previously degraded environments. Over the last four years, the tiny state of Rhode Island lost over 1000 acres of forest. Virginia allowed 3,500 acres of forest cleared in 2019 for a solar project, even though the state’s forests absorb about 1/5 of its emitted carbon dioxide, inhibit erosion, increase water quality, and control storm water runoff. Tens of thousands of acres of forest and farmland are lost every year to solar energy production facilities.