As a landowner with underutilized or brownfield property, you may be considering leasing your land for a solar energy project. Repurposing these sites for solar can offer unique advantages, but it’s important to weigh both the benefits and challenges before moving forward.
Pros of Solar Development on Brownfields and Underutilized Land
- Productive Use of Otherwise Unusable Land
Brownfields, landfills, and degraded sites are often unsuitable for farming, housing, or commercial buildings, but they can be ideal for solar energy generation. Solar projects transform liabilities into productive assets, giving new life to land that might otherwise sit vacant. - Environmental Remediation and Pollution Mitigation
Installing solar arrays can help contain existing contaminants, reduce environmental hazards, and prevent further soil and groundwater pollution. In some cases, solar development can even support habitat restoration and pollinator-friendly landscaping. - Shorter Permitting and Zoning Processes
Permitting and zoning for solar projects on brownfields is often faster than for greenfield sites, as these lands are already compromised and less likely to face opposition related to land use conflicts. - Government Incentives and Financial Benefits
Federal and state programs frequently offer grants, tax incentives, and streamlined permitting for renewable energy projects on brownfields and underutilized lands, making these projects more financially attractive123. - Existing Infrastructure
Many brownfields and former industrial sites have existing access roads and grid connections, reducing development costs and simplifying project logistics. - Community and Economic Benefits
Solar projects on underutilized land can increase nearby property values (by 5–15% within a mile), generate lease and tax revenues, create local jobs, and foster positive community engagement. - Minimal Impact on Valuable Farmland or Natural Habitats
By focusing development on compromised land, solar projects avoid conflicts with agriculture or conservation, preserving prime farmland and natural ecosystems.
Cons and Challenges of Solar Development on Brownfields and Underutilized Land
- Environmental and Legal Risks
Developers must navigate complex environmental regulations (such as CERCLA and the Clean Water Act), and may be held liable for pre-existing contamination, even if they did not cause it. This legal exposure can increase project costs and deter some developers. - Extensive Site Assessment and Remediation
Brownfield sites require thorough environmental assessments to identify and manage contaminants. Remediation efforts—like soil replacement, capping, or water treatment—can be costly and time-consuming. - Specialized Engineering and Construction
To avoid disturbing contaminated soil or landfill caps, solar installations may require custom designs (such as ballasted, non-penetrating mounts) and construction protocols, adding to project complexity and expense. These systems may also generate less electricity than standard tracking systems. - Permitting Complexity and Delays
Despite some streamlined processes, permitting for brownfield sites can still be lengthy and complicated, sometimes taking several years to secure all necessary approvals. - Site Suitability Limitations
Not all brownfields are appropriate for solar. Sites that are heavily contaminated, unstable, or lack proximity to transmission lines may be infeasible for development.
Should You Lease Your Brownfield or Underutilized Land for Solar?
Leasing your underutilized or brownfield land for solar can be a win-win: you generate steady lease income, help revitalize your property, and support clean energy in your community. However, it’s crucial to partner with an experienced solar developer who can navigate the technical, legal, and environmental challenges involved.
If your site is suitable, the long-term benefits—environmental, financial, and social—can far outweigh the hurdles, turning a dormant asset into a source of pride and profit for decades to come.