You’ve driven by dozens of fields brimming with rows and rows of shiny solar panels and know they’re a fantastic asset to lowering carbon emissions, but have you ever wondered, “Why did they choose that spot?”

Building a community solar farm involves more than just plopping panels on any available plot of land. We’re committed to partnering with companies that deliver affordable, clean electricity while not harming the land we love. After all, our goal is to fight climate change; not cause other environmental issues!

So how is that done? Here are the 3 key considerations for solar farm development:

• Specific Site Requirements: The ideal site is flat and well-drained. Typically 20 acres for every 5 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity is helpful as well.
• Environmental Suitability: The land must pass environmental screenings. Habitats for endangered species, wetlands, and areas with significant cultural or historical resources are avoided.
• Land Looking For Rejuvenation: Land that has previously been used for something else, like unproductive farmland, environmentally contaminated sites, or capped landfills are prime real estate. In fact, solar farms on land such as this can actually improve its conditions and make it productive once again!