Virginia has seen a surge in solar energy projects over the past decade, with much of the growth coming from large-scale utility installations. Recent research from Virginia Commonwealth University explores the impact of these installations on land use and conservation in rural areas. The study found that over 30,000 acres have been developed into utility-scale solar fields in Virginia since 2016, with a significant portion being built on former forest and cropland.
The research highlights the need for better legislation to protect high-conservation-value lands from being converted into solar farms. While Virginia ranks seventh among states in utility-scale solar power generation, growth has stagnated due to stricter urban planning measures in some rural counties. The study also projected potential future scenarios for solar energy growth in the state, estimating that solar could meet up to 15% of Virginia’s electricity needs by 2035.
Despite concerns about the environmental impact of solar farm construction, solar energy remains a cost-effective and clean source of electricity. Virginia’s solar industry has been propelled by the declining cost of solar energy and incentives from the Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020. The researchers emphasize the importance of balancing solar energy expansion with conservation efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The research was conducted in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Energy and funded by Advanced Energy United. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders as they navigate the future of solar energy development in Virginia.
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