Planning Beyond the Panels: Solar and Land Use

Many states are wrestling with planning and zoning issues associated with large scale solar projects. A recent study estimates that more than 6400 MW of solar power, potentially covering tens of thousands of acres, will be installed in the next 10 years in Indiana alone.

On July 30, Mark O’Brien, Cardno's Native Plant Nursery Manager, and I participated in a virtual seminar titled “Planning Beyond the Panels: Solar and Land Use” to discuss key issues associated with large scale solar projects. Sponsored by the Indiana Chapter, of the American Planning Association, the discussion included speakers from Fresh Energy, Michiana Council of Government, The Center at Donaldson & Ancilla College, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute, Purdue University’s Extension Program, and The Great Plains Institute.

Our presentation focused on Cardno’s experience installing and maintaining native and pollinator vegetation in and around solar facilities. This real world experience is useful to solar developers, most of whom are not familiar with the technical details of successfully establishing and managing native and pollinator vegetation. For the county planners who participated in the seminar, Cardno’s presentation helped frame their understanding of native and pollinator vegetation under and around the panels.

Interested in learning more? Contact me at chris.kline@cardno.com.

A complete recording of the seminar, along with the slide presentation from all panelists is available on the MACOG website.

#pollinators, #solar, #planning, #makingadifference