To help meet aggressive US state and federal clean energy goals, many more community solar projects must be built across the country. This paper proposes a siting framework for community solar projects, which can produce much needed zero-carbon electricity, while serving important ecosystem enhancement and conservation roles. Responsible siting such as that proposed here can help preserve community character while protecting individual property rights.
This framework builds off existing laws to balance development activity with environmental protection. In brief, siting, design and operation of community solar projects should maximize preservation of the natural capital and enhancement of ecosystem services, minimizing permanent negative impacts on land.
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