Large areas of the Mid-Atlantic region will be converted into photovoltaic panel “solar farms” over the coming decade. In particular, development of Utility Scale Solar (USS) facilities (> 5 MW) will potentially impact at least 200,000 acres of existing agricultural and forested landscapes in Virginia; Virginia DEQ currently estimates over 350,000 acres could potentially be affected by 2045 (CBF/STAC, 2024). Even relatively small local projects (< 5 MW) can lead to significant landscape impacts since it takes up to 10 acres/MW to accommodate panels, drainage and stormwater systems, access roads, collection & transmission infrastructure, and buffer areas.
While the intensity of impacts varies dramatically based on local site conditions and infrastructure development practices, anywhere from 10% to > 75% of the existing soil landscape will undergo some level of significant disturbance at most sites. Significant areas of most sites will remain bare for some period of time during active site installation and then complete stabilization and revegetation generally takes several years. While less than 50% of the solar farm site is actually covered by panels, the combination of soil disturbance/compaction and the impervious cover from the panels may lead to enhanced runoff, particularly in the early years before the site is fully stabilized.
Prediction, management and rehabilitation of these soil x landform effects is critical for (a) minimizing sediment losses, (b) managing and reducing stormwater impacts, and (c) return of these lands to productive uses following site decommissioning. At Virginia Tech, we have a multi-faceted research and extension/outreach team addressing a wide range of issues and challenges associated (1) planning and permitting, (2) installation & stabilization, (3) active management and (4) long-term closure of USS facilities. We have been actively working on these issues since 2021 and details on our ongoing work products are posted below.
Virginia Tech & VSU Investigators
Best Management Practices Summary
USS Best Management Practices Full White Paper
Minimizing Sediment Losses and Runoff from Utility Scale Solar Development Sites
Chesapeake Bay Foundation STAC Report (2024)
Public & Technical Presentations
W. Lee Daniels Presentation to VA Assoc Prof Soil Sci (9/23)
W. Lee Daniels Presentation to House Bill 206 Committee (8/22)