characteristics. Areas to the north and northeast in Autauga and Elmore
counties, and areas south and southeast of Montgomery in the
Montgomery County have gross capacity factors of 35 percent or higher for
large‐installation wind energy development for turbines at 140 meters as
illustrated on Figure 5.8‐1. This means there is good potential for wind
energy development in these areas which could cause concern for not only
Maxwell AFB but also Montgomery Regional Airport.
This potential, combined with the lack of regulations for alternative energy
development within the state is the primary concern related to this JLUS.
There is also a potential for solar energy development in Alabama, with the
potential being estimated as moderate, ranging from 5.1 to
5.5 kilowatt‐hours per square meter per day (kWh/m 2 /Day), with the
Montgomery region falling into the higher end of the kilowatt‐hour range.
This also means the region has good potential for solar energy development
as shown on Figure 5.8‐2.
Solar energy development may be more attractive than wind energy in the
JLUS Study Area as the technology allows for better integration within
communities. Solar panels are often placed on rooftops and covered
parking structures, where they are generally out of sight. It is the materials
used in the construction of the solar panels that are of particular concern in
this JLUS. Solar panels may be constructed with reflective materials which
are meant to assist in the generation and distribution of energy, but can also
cause unintended glare for military and civilian pilots. The glare from certain
materials used in the construction of solar panels can temporarily impact
the vision of pilots in the vicinity of airfields or within designated flight
routes. The temporary visual impairment of pilots can increase the risk of
aircraft mishaps, ultimately increasing the risk to pilot safety and the general
public.
Despite the benefits of alternative energy developments, in terms of
additional revenue and potential cost savings, as well as public policy
benefits to municipal, county, and state government agencies, the potential
hazards associated with both wind and solar energy development pose real
concerns for the safety of pilots and for the general public.
Maxwell AFB is currently exploring the potential of an Enhanced Use Lease
(EUL) for a solar energy installation on the eastern side of base property.
The solar installation would provide an additional buffer between the city
property and installation activities as well as generate power for the base.
While solar energy has many benefits, it does create the potential for some
issues, like glare (also referred to as reflectivity). Photovoltaic system panels
are the most compatible with aircraft operations for some of the following
reasons:
They have a low profile and modular design, which is compatible with
low‐demand property such as rooftops and airfields, and
They are designed to absorb sunlight (rather than reflect it),
minimizing potential impacts of glare.
The discussion of utilizing an EUL is still in progress, and no final
determination has been made.
In 2014, the Alabama State Legislature attempted to pass statewide
legislation to regulate wind turbines. Senate Bill 12 was developed in
response to an interest in developing a 60 turbine wind farm that would
span over two counties in northeastern Alabama. Senate Bill 12 did not
pass; however, a few local bills have been passed in some communities to
require certain distances and noise setbacks of such turbine developments.
These local bills have served as a deterrent to wind energy developers,
which actually means potentially lost revenues for the local communities.
Page 5‐38
Background Report
June 2017