Solar Land Farms in Texas and North Carolina: 2025 Outlook for Property Owners and Developers
As the premier professional Civil | Structural | Environmental engineering firm serving property owners and developers in Texas and North Carolina, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is at the forefront of the solar energy revolution.
In 2025, solar land farms, also known as solar gardens, are playing an increasingly vital role in the renewable energy landscape of both states.
This blog post explores the key considerations for property owners and developers considering solar land farm development in Texas and North Carolina.
The Solar Boom in Texas and North Carolina
Texas has experienced a remarkable solar boom, surpassing California in becoming the top solar state in the nation.
By the end of 2024, Texas added an impressive 7.2 GW of new solar capacity, contributing to an estimated total of 100 GW over the next decade[1].
This growth is fueled by abundant sunshine, vast land availability, and increasing demand for renewable energy.
While facing some challenges, North Carolina remains a significant player in the solar market.
The state ranks third for solar energy production in the United States, with over 2,000 MW of installed solar capacity[3].
However, the industry is navigating economic, structural, and geographic limitations that could impact future growth.
Feasibility Considerations for Solar Land Farms
Land Requirements and Availability
In Texas, the land requirement for solar farms is substantial.
One GW of solar power typically needs around 5,000 to 7,000 acres.
To reach the projected 100 GW capacity, an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 acres would be required[1].
While this is a significant amount, it represents less than 0.5 percent of Texas' total land area, indicating ample theoretical capacity, especially in West Texas and the Panhandle.
North Carolina, on the other hand, is facing challenges related to land availability.
The state is running out of inexpensive farmland suitable for solar projects, which could slow down development in the coming years[3].
This scarcity is pushing developers to consider innovative approaches, such as smaller-scale projects on partial land parcels.
Economic Viability
The economic landscape for solar development in both states is evolving.
In Texas, the presence of solar farms has driven up land values in regions such as West Texas and the Panhandle.
A University of Texas at Austin study found that renewable energy development has resulted in substantial economic gains for landowners in rural Texas[1].
In North Carolina, the expiration of the state's 35% tax credit on solar production in 2023 has impacted the industry's ability to fund substation upgrades, a critical component of solar farm infrastructure[3].
However, new federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act provide additional tax credits for solar projects in low-income communities, potentially offsetting some of these losses[2].
Zoning and Regulatory Landscape
Texas Zoning Considerations
Texas generally has a more flexible approach to zoning, especially in rural areas where most large-scale solar farms are located.
However, developers should be aware of local regulations that may impact solar farm development. Some key considerations include:
Height restrictions: Many jurisdictions are adopting solar-specific zoning codes that provide exemptions or allowances for solar installations to exceed standard height limits.
Setback requirements: Solar-friendly zoning codes often include provisions for reduced setbacks for ground-mounted solar systems.
By-right development: Some Texas municipalities are including small to medium-scale solar installations as by-right development in certain zoning districts, streamlining the approval process[4].
North Carolina Regulatory Environment
North Carolina's regulatory landscape for solar development is more complex:
Siting restrictions: Proposed legislation (Senate Bill 843) would require utility-scale wind or solar installations to be built at least 1.5 miles from any nearby property line[3].
Local opposition: Some communities have raised concerns about the safety, appearance, and potential adverse effects on property values of large-scale solar installations.
Farmland preservation: There's an ongoing debate about the use of prime farmland for solar development, with some advocating for installations on marginal farms and forestlands instead[2].
Site Design and Engineering Challenges
Designing a solar land farm requires careful consideration of various factors:
Topography and drainage: Proper grading and stormwater management are crucial to prevent erosion and maintain the efficiency of the solar panels.
Access roads: Designing adequate access for construction and maintenance vehicles while minimizing land disturbance.
Panel layout and orientation: Optimizing the arrangement of solar panels to maximize energy production while considering land constraints.
Electrical infrastructure: Designing the necessary infrastructure to connect the solar farm to the grid, including inverters, transformers, and transmission lines.
Environmental considerations: Incorporating wildlife corridors, native vegetation, and other ecological features into the site design.
Permitting Process
The permitting process for solar land farms can be complex and time-consuming. Key steps include:
Environmental impact assessments: Evaluating the project's potential effects on local ecosystems, wildlife, and water resources.
Grid interconnection studies: Working with local utilities to assess the capacity of existing infrastructure and determine necessary upgrades.
Local and state permits: Obtaining necessary approvals from various agencies, which may include zoning boards, environmental departments, and public utility commissions.
Community engagement: Conducting outreach to address local concerns and gain community support for the project.
Environmental Considerations
Developing solar land farms requires careful attention to environmental factors:
Habitat preservation: Designing projects to minimize impacts on local wildlife and plant species, potentially incorporating features like pollinator-friendly vegetation.
Soil conservation: Implementing erosion control measures and maintaining soil health throughout the project's lifecycle.
Water management: Developing strategies for efficient panel cleaning and stormwater management that minimize water usage and protect local water resources.
End-of-life planning: Considering the eventual decommissioning of the solar farm and restoration of the land.
Innovative Approaches and Future Trends
As the solar industry evolves, new approaches are emerging:
Agrivoltaics: Combining solar energy production with agricultural activities, such as grazing sheep under solar panels[1].
Community-scale projects: Developing smaller, distributed solar projects that provide direct benefits to local communities[2].
Energy storage integration: Incorporating battery storage systems to enhance grid stability and maximize the value of solar generation.
Smart grid technologies: Implementing advanced monitoring and control systems to optimize solar farm performance and grid integration.
Final Thoughts
The development of solar land farms in Texas and North Carolina presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for property owners and developers in 2025.
As the premier professional Civil | Structural | Environmental engineering firm serving these states, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services is uniquely positioned to guide clients through the intricacies of solar farm development.
From initial feasibility studies to final construction, our expertise ensures that solar projects are designed and implemented to maximize energy production while minimizing environmental impact and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
By partnering with JRH, developers can confidently contribute to the growing renewable energy sector in Texas and North Carolina, driving economic growth and environmental sustainability for years to come.
Citations:
[39] https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/24/solar-industry-panel-cautions-about-2025-texas-legislature/
[45]
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