Brownfields across the country are redeveloped into a wide range of new end uses, including commercial centers, affordable housing, and open spaces with recreational trails. Depending on the size, location, and other characteristics of the property, it can also make sense to consider energy uses as part of brownfield redevelopment.
In particular, large-scale solar can be a promising use: existing brownfields properties can be close to existing electrical interconnection opportunities given their previous uses, reducing infrastructure construction needs; the grading and excavation required for solar installations can be less than other forms of development, reducing disturbance; and large brownfield properties are at times far from other structures and natural features that could impede sunlight to the property.
The Solar@Scale program has a number of resources to guide this redevelopment, including a detailed webinar, extensive guidebook, and descriptive case studies.
The case studies highlight real-world examples that communities and partners can use as inspiration for solar on brownfields, or ‘brightfields,’ redevelopment. Innovative technologies, relationships, and reuse can help spark creativity in communities tackling their own contaminated properties:
- Kentucky: Project Phoenix: Elevating Land Reuse with Solar Technology Innovation; contributed by Watershed Geo
- Illinois: Brownfield to Brightfield: Giving New Life to a Closed Landfill; contributed by RACER Trust
- New Jersey: Waste Not, Want Not: Transforming Landfills into Solar Powerhouses; contributed by AC Power
And, while not located on a formerly contaminated site, other large-scale solar developments, like the Clover Creek project in Utah, can provide guidance on community engagement and involvement to ensure mutual project benefits:
- Utah: Clover Creek: Accelerating the Future of Energy through Community Partnership; contributed by AES U.S. Renewables
If your community, organization, or company is actively working on brightfields efforts, consider sharing your work at the National Brownfields Training Conference May 25-28, 2027 in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’re just getting started, consider attending the conference to learn from experts and peers working in this area.
