May 30, 2025

KAOH Media Insights

What you need to know for May 30, 2025:

Americans’ worries about developing BESS in their communities are lower than the opposition may make it appear.

Source: Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

National News: Majority of Americans welcome BESS

A new Firetrace International report reveals that 71% of Americans support battery energy storage systems (BESS) in their communities, despite media narratives suggesting otherwise. Opposition is largely driven by misinformation and lack of awareness, with over half of opponents having no prior exposure to BESS information. The survey highlights that public support increases significantly when benefits like lower electricity bills, reliable power, and local job creation are clearly communicated. Addressing environmental and safety concerns—especially through fire suppression systems—can further shift public opinion and help prevent project delays or cancellations. Information is crucial to public support, as 52% of respondents who oppose BESS were found to have been exposed to no reliable information on the topic at all.

KAOH’s Key Takeaways:

Although opposition to BESS can sometimes seem significant due to high-profile safety concerns, many audiences remain highly receptive to the technology’s local benefits.  

Local opposition to transmission line construction is not uncommon, as shown by these demonstrators opposing a 2024 Maryland project.

Source: Maryland Matters

National News: Transmission lines get cooler reception than renewables

While most people support the shift to renewable energy, many are uncomfortable with living near high-voltage power lines, which are essential for transmitting renewable energy from production sites to users. USC Professor Wändi Bruine de Bruin states that public concerns—ranging from health risks and property value impacts to lack of clear information and public input—can hinder infrastructure development. Studies show that myths around transmission lines are common, such as the misconception that decentralized energy eliminates the need for new power lines.

KAOH’s Key Takeaways:

If your renewable energy project has a related transmission line buildout, take care in developing proactive plain language messaging that addresses these common concerns and proactively addresses questions about eminent domain.  

Anthony Hamilton graduated from a solar installation/electrical training program in Southwestern Virginia in 2022. Today, he works locally as an electrician.

Source: Cardinal News

State News: Solar jobs training programs benefit Virginians

A regional apprenticeship program in Southwest Virginia is equipping young people with solar installation and electrical skills, helping them find local employment in the growing renewable energy sector. The initiative, led by companies like Got Electric and Secure Solar Futures, partners with schools and Mountain Empire Community College to provide hands-on training, classroom instruction, and college credits. Graduates of these programs have used the program to launch careers close to home, keeping jobs and people in Appalachia. The program reflects a broader trend of clean energyenergy, creating new job opportunities in rural areas while fostering local resilience and economic development.

KAOH’s Key Takeaways:

Solar energy’s full jobs footprint isn’t just confined to construction gigs for utility-scale projects. Look for engagement opportunities with local jobs programs and how you might be able to partner and support these workforce development initiatives.

Calhoun Middle and High School in Central West Virginia is one of the state’s newest solar-powered schools where power usage is saving money and inspiring lesson plans.

Source: wchstv.com

Community Connections: Solar In The Classroom

Summer is starting, meaning that the back-to-school season is just around the corner. Across the country, a growing number of primary and secondary schools are installing solar panels on their campuses to cut down on energy costs, while even more are embracing renewable energy as a tool for teaching science. If your team is engaging with schools or other youth-oriented community partners, check out this list of free, publicly accessible curricula that can help support students’ curiosity about power from the sun and wind:

Students at a KidWind competition building a test solar array.

Source: KidWind

Solar Farm Summit’s Dual-Use Design Challenge is an annual national competition where students design agrivoltaic systems to address real-world farm challenges, integrating STEM concepts, creative problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The challenge is open to classrooms, homeschool programs, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, STEM clubs and more, making it an attractive complement to existing community engagement efforts towards those groups. The challenge offers a suite of educator resources, including design prompts, lesson ideas and “Curiosity Kick-Starters” to inspire student inquiry, especially for younger grades. Sponsorships are available and registration is live for the 2025 challenge. Finalists and winners will be recognized at the 2025 Solar Farm Summit (August 4-7, Chicago), with opportunities for national recognition, prizes, and complimentary conference admission for qualifying high school and post-secondary student teams.

Kids in Alabama measure the growth of crops planted under solar panels as part of the Solar Farm Summit’s Dual-Use Design Challenge.

Source: solarfarmsummit.com

The wind energy construction challenge KidWind offers a wide range of free, hands-on activities designed to introduce students from elementary through high school to the science and engineering behind wind and solar energy. Activities include building solar-powered structures, experimenting with mini wind turbines, designing windmill blades, and constructing solar fountains and boats, all of which focus on core STEM concepts. This free curriculum encourages inquiry-based learning, with lessons exploring real-world challenges like reducing risks to wildlife from wind farms, understanding the efficiency of different turbine blade designs, and conducting classroom energy audits. Educators can access supporting resources that help can implement these activities in classrooms, afterschool programs, or STEM clubs.

Jack’s Solar Garden in Colorado serves as both a physical research space for agrivoltaics and the focus of a nationally-available K-12 curriculum.

Source: Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center

Located in Longmont, Colorado, Jack’s Solar Garden is the largest commercially active agrivoltaics research site in the U.S., combining solar energy production with food crops, pollinator habitats, and educational outreach. Its nonprofit arm, the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center (CALC), leads classroom programs, on-site tours, and curriculum development to teach K-12 students and educators about agrivoltaics, clean energy, and sustainable land use. CALC provides downloadable lesson materials and resources for educators across the country via its website. These are designed for easy classroom integration and cover agrivoltaics, clean energy, food systems, and land management.

Not sure how to integrate youth education into your project’s public relations plan?

Drop us a line via email or schedule a call with KAOH today to talk about next steps!

What does renewable energy mean to you?  

To me, renewable energy is a vital part of our future. As energy demands continue to grow, integrating clean, sustainable sources is essential. I’m passionate about the role renewables play in creating a better, healthier world for future generations.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

I love connecting with the people I work with—both clients and colleagues. Building genuine relationships and getting to know everyone on a personal level makes the work even more fun!

Share a fun fact about yourself:

I live on a small hobby farm with 21 chickens, a huge garden, and a growing orchard!