Strategic Solar Siting

This presentation will cover the Power of Place study from The Nature Conservancy that outlines where and how we can cost-effectively use land to deliver clean energy solutions while minimizing impacts to biodiversity and people.

Developing Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) presents unique challenges, particularly in permitting, siting, compliance, and real estate. Rapid industry growth and high market demand often pressure project developers to balance expanding pipelines with maintaining quality and profitability. This presentation will provide a practical framework for overcoming these challenges, covering essential steps from property selection and due diligence to risk assessment and compliance. Attendees will gain actionable insights into streamlining project development processes, and ensuring robust foundations for success.

This presentation will include an overview of AC Power and the redevelopment of brownfields through solar energy generation. AC Power will discuss how community solar and state by state policies affect distributed generation projects on brownfields. The presentation will begin by covering siting analysis, including:

• Zoning and land use regulations for solar farms
• Interconnection (capacity, substation proximity)
• The hurdles of redeveloping brownfields (Land Remediation, caps, O&M, closure requirements)
• Topography
• Wetland, flood zone and conservation land delineation
• Financial/modeling considerations (specific production, price of energy, IX costs, EPC)
• Environmental impact and conservation of developing solar projects

To ensure the solar project progresses smoothly and on time, it’s essential to address potential legal and logistical issues upfront. The objective is to resolve any concerns about land ownership, legal rights, or encroachments that could lead to delays or increased costs later in the process. This presentation will include discussion of the following topics, real examples and suggested conversation questions to ask.

• Ownership Clarity
• Trust Documentation
• Wills and Probate
• Oil and Gas Leases, Non-Production Affidavits, and Accommodation Agreements
• Encroachments
• Timeline and Agreement Deadlines

This presentation focuses on how Indigenous communities can prepare for success at every stage of renewable energy projects: pre-development, operational phases, and end-of-life decommissioning. It emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between tribes and project developers to ensure alignment with sustainable land use and cultural values. By reviewing proven strategies for proactive planning, effective management during operations, and respectful decommissioning practices, the session offers actionable insights to optimize site selection, enhance environmental protection, and uphold Indigenous rights. The goal is to foster long-term sustainability and meaningful community benefits throughout the project lifecycle. 

Effective solar siting requires a deep understanding of permitting processes, land use policies, and regulatory frameworks. This session will cover strategies to ensure successful solar siting while minimizing risks and delays.