A good solar project site on a landfill, brownfield, or vacant lot in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Kentucky shares several key characteristics:
- Proximity to Grid Infrastructure: Sites near existing electrical transmission lines or substations are highly attractive, as this reduces the cost and complexity of connecting the solar farm to the power grid. Many brownfields and former industrial sites already have some infrastructure in place, which can be a significant advantage.
- Land Condition and Suitability: Flat or gently sloped land with minimal shading and good solar exposure is ideal. While brownfields and landfills may have contamination or stability issues, these can often be managed, and such sites are often pre-screened for solar suitability by agencies like the EPA and NREL.
- Regulatory and Zoning Compatibility: Sites with clear zoning for industrial or utility use, or those where local governments are supportive of solar development, face fewer regulatory hurdles. For example, Pennsylvania offers liability protections for brownfield redevelopment, and many localities in these states encourage solar on compromised lands to avoid using prime farmland or conservation areas.
- Community and Economic Benefits: Developing solar on these sites can turn underused or contaminated land into a revenue-generating asset, create local jobs, and increase tax revenues—especially important for communities seeking economic revitalization.
- Site Accessibility: Good road access for construction and maintenance is important, and many brownfields or landfills already have this infrastructure.
In summary, the best sites are those with strong solar potential, existing or easily accessible grid connections, supportive local policies, manageable environmental conditions, and clear community benefits. These factors make landfills, brownfields, and vacant lots in PA, OH, MD, and KY prime candidates for successful solar development.