As renewable energy development in the United States continues to expand, many landowners are considering leasing their land for solar development to generate additional income. Not every property is well-suited as a solar site though, and developers often have fairly specific criteria in mind when evaluating potential solar development sites.

During a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, Vincent Caruso from Percheron, LLC shared insights on the process of solar site selection from the developer’s side of the table. For those who think their property is perfect for a solar farm, here are a few things to keep in mind that could significantly influence a property’s viability for solar development.

Size

A property’s size and shape will be one of the most significant factors in determining if a solar development company will be interested in developing it for a solar farm. Smaller properties of around 20-30 acres are good for smaller farms. These types of developments can typically supply a small community with power, but wouldn’t generate enough for real utility use.

Utility sites typically range from 2,000 acres up to 4,500 acres and generate hundreds of megawatts of power. The preferred shape for a solar development is rectangular, as any contours like from a river or other nonlinear boundaries reduce the amount of usable space.

Terrain

Since solar energy production requires prolonged direct sunlight, the terrain on the property is one of the most significant factors in determining the viability of a property for solar development.

The best solar sites are already free of obstacles like trees or shrubs which cast shadows and take up space that could be used for additional panels. While some developers may consider removing a few trees from a property to make the project worthwhile, many more are going to choose a property that’s already free of these obstacles.

Another important factor to consider is the gradient of the land itself. Solar panels require even, flat ground and have maximum gradient allowances that must be met if panels are going to be installed. While a landowner may have 500 acres of land they want to use for solar development if only 200 acres meet the terrain requirements, they may be less likely to be selected than a property with 500 acres that are flat and clear throughout.

Landowner Reliability

Another factor that solar developers look at when scouting land for development is the quality of the landowners themselves. Since solar developments are typically long-term projects that require an ongoing working relationship, compatibility between developers and landowners is an important aspect of any successful solar development.

Solar developers are more likely to pursue trustworthy landowners who are easy to work with and effective communicators. If a landowner takes weeks to return a phone call, chances are good that developers will continue looking for potential solar sites elsewhere.

Leasing land for solar development can be incredibly lucrative for landowners with the right property and personality. By understanding these factors and preparing the property accordingly, landowners can greatly increase their chances of attracting interest from developers and being selected for solar development.

If you’ve got more questions about using your land for solar energy production, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!