Although the prospects for developing a solar farm are attractive, there are many components that need to be considered before you can begin operations. One of the most important elements you need to consider as a developer is solar farm zoning. Local zoning is essential because it is the first part of a project that determines its success or failure. Adhering to these local solar zoning requirements is a critical step in ensuring your land meets energy production standards.
Our team at Solar Liberty understands the different regulations that apply in different locations. We understand how daunting and intimidating this process can seem for a property owner. Zoning is determined by local governments and there are very specific rules that can vary greatly from region to region. Knowledge equips you, and when you work with a team like ours at Solar Liberty, you are more likely to enjoy a project that is efficient, thorough, and smooth.
What Zoning Means for Solar Farm Development
To ensure harmony within the community, local governments enact zoning laws to ensure that new developments do not conflict with existing properties. When a developer decides to learn more about solar farm land use, they must first understand what specific category their property falls into and the different infrastructure requirements required for that area. Understanding these rules early on will prevent friction with the surrounding community later.
In most cases, land is divided into four main zones: agricultural, commercial, residential and industrial. If a property is located within a residential area, developing a solar farm is almost impossible as such projects are generally not permitted in close proximity to homes. While industrial areas are often considered a “sweet spot” for utility-scale energy, many potential locations are in rural areas. Solar farms are unique in that they are typically treated as utilities, even if they are located on land that appears to be in the agricultural category.
This classification can complicate things for a landowner. Because solar farming is not considered traditional farming, it does not always have access to the easier requirements that traditional farming enjoys.
Common zoning classifications that allow solar farms
In many cases, agricultural areas are the ideal areas for zoning for solar farm projects because they provide the flat, open land necessary for ground-mounted solar installations. By providing a stable source of additional income, solar efforts are instrumental in helping farmers retain their land while maintaining their farming practices. This type of incentive can help secure community buy-in.
In addition, many districts are now adopting forward-looking regulations. These forward-thinking districts often have special permits that make it easier to secure land for solar purposes. Find out if your county has a classification called an “energy overlay district.” These have been created specifically to facilitate and support renewable energy development efforts. While solar farm zoning varies from region to region, knowing what is available in your region and understanding solar zoning requirements can greatly improve your chances of getting a project approved in a particular location.
Special use permits, conditional use permits and variances
If you’re looking at an area where solar energy is only permitted under certain circumstances, you’ll likely need to review special use permits and conditional use permits. These permits essentially make your project a “special case” in the eyes of the local government. If you apply for one of these projects, the county or municipality will review the specific details of your project to ensure that it will not cause disruption to the surrounding area or negative impact on the community. This process includes public hearings. The general public and your neighbors can voice their opinions and concerns. When planning commercial solar projects, it is important to proceed carefully and prepare your research so that you can confidently answer any questions that arise during these meetings.
Sometimes a deviation comes into play. A variance is an opportunity for you to request special consideration or an exception to a particular zoning rule. For example, if there is a rule regarding height restrictions that would affect your panels, you can request a variance as an exception to that rule. Because solar farms have such unique technical requirements, these nuances are often approved if you provide the right data. At Solar Liberty, we recommend that you allow at least a few months for these approvals. Although it can be time-consuming, these permits are required if you offer commercial solar installation services and want to build your project without violating local laws.
Setback, size and land use requirements
Consider setbacks when considering the design of a ground-mount solar system. Setbacks are the required distances you must maintain between your solar system and things like public roads, property lines, and surrounding buildings. These rules manage the visual aesthetics and make emergency vehicles.
Common land use requirements you are likely to encounter during the planning phase include:
- Minimum acreage requirements (often between 5 and 10 acres for smaller commercial operations).
- Setbacks typically between 50 and 100 feet from all property lines.
- Height restrictions on panels, typically limited to 10 to 15 feet.
- Mandatory security fencing and guarded access to prevent unauthorized access.
- Visual screening requirements such as hedges or evergreen trees to protect equipment from view.
Environmental, agricultural and community considerations
Be prepared to submit a stormwater management plan to ensure your commercial solar system does not impact local traffic and more. A decommissioning plan is another necessary document to demonstrate how your efforts will protect the community. By being transparent about the steps involved in a commercial solar project before investing a lot of money, you can avoid surprises during approval. Reach out to commercial solar project planning professionals who can provide you with clarity and an informed perspective.
Why an early zoning review saves time and money
Never jump into an investment without considering the costs. By engaging with experienced professionals early on, you can decide whether you should invest in battery storage systems to maximize your land use. Understanding your solar financing options and the available solar incentives guide is only helpful if the land itself is cleared for development. Taking the time to review these requirements will ensure your monitoring and performance goals are achievable from day one.
Start with zoning before investing in a solar farm
Prioritizing zoning regulations when it comes to land use for your solar farm will make your steps toward completion much easier. At Solar Liberty, we are able to assist landowners with this process, from monitoring and performance to selecting the right battery storage options. Consider our comprehensive commercial solar solutions and knowledge of solar incentives and rebates to help your project succeed. Contact Solar Liberty today to learn how we can bring your solar farm to life!
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