7 Strategies for Sustainable Solar Energy Farms

As solar energy adoption continues to expand, concerns about land use and aesthetics have led some communities to restrict or even ban utility-scale projects. Large solar farms can sometimes disrupt habitats, create land use conflicts, and spark opposition—especially when developments target prime agricultural land or sensitive ecosystems.

However, developers can strengthen solar energy sustainability by adopting sustainable solar strategies that minimize environmental impacts. Responsible siting, pollinator-friendly ground cover, and agrivoltaic solutions offer powerful ways to help projects blend seamlessly into local ecosystems.

By prioritizing solar power sustainability from the earliest planning stages, developers can address community concerns, protect biodiversity, and demonstrate that sustainable solar energy projects can coexist with existing land uses while delivering clean energy benefits.

Why Are Some Communities Banning Solar Farms?

Across the U.S., some communities are restricting or banning solar farms due to concerns about land use impacts, including the loss of prime agricultural land and the disruption of natural habitats. Aesthetic issues, fears of declining property values, and inadequate management of ecological impacts also contribute to local resistance. Without thoughtful planning, large-scale projects can face significant opposition, slowing the transition to clean energy.

At the same time, several states—including Illinois, California, and New York—have passed or proposed legislation to limit local bans on renewable energy projects. These efforts aim to balance local input with statewide clean energy targets, reinforcing the urgency of implementing sustainable solar strategies that work for both developers and communities.

Implementing sustainable solar energy practices is critical for addressing these concerns. By focusing on sustainable solar solutions—such as smart site selection, pollinator-friendly design, and wildlife protection—developers can minimize environmental disruption, enhance local biodiversity, and improve visual integration.

Prioritizing solar energy sustainability from the start not only builds community support but also ensures that projects deliver stronger environmental and economic benefits over the long term. Here are seven key strategies to improve solar power sustainability and create truly sustainable solar farms.

1 - Site Selection and Planning for Sustainable Solar Energy

A thorough environmental impact assessment is a cornerstone of solar energy sustainability. This critical step helps developers identify and address potential ecological disruptions when planning a solar farm. By carefully evaluating potential sites, developers can select locations that minimize harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities, ensuring that solar power sustainability is maintained throughout the project's life cycle.

Prioritizing rooftop installations over ground-mounted panels can significantly reduce land use conflicts, preserving open space and natural landscapes. When ground installations are necessary, opting for previously disturbed or degraded lands—such as capped landfills, brownfields, or industrial sites—can help mitigate the environmental impact of new solar farms. These sites, already altered by human activity, present an ideal opportunity for sustainable solar development without further impacting pristine ecosystems. They can also create economic opportunities in underserved areas, providing both environmental and social benefits.

Avoiding prime agricultural lands and undisturbed natural habitats remains critical for maintaining solar energy sustainability. Farmland is vital for food security, while intact ecosystems provide irreplaceable biodiversity and ecosystem services. By steering clear of critical wildlife corridors and ecologically sensitive regions, developers can reduce land use conflicts, protect key resources, and demonstrate a true commitment to sustainable solar solutions that balance energy production with environmental stewardship.

2 - Materials for Sustainable Solar Energy Farms

Selecting the right materials is crucial for advancing sustainable solar energy practices. High-efficiency solar panels, which generate more electricity per square meter, maximize energy output while minimizing land use. For instance, some of SunPower's Maxeon panels have achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified™ status, reflecting their commitment to solar power sustainability through responsible material sourcing and manufacturing processes.

First Solar, known for its thin-film photovoltaic technology, emphasizes sustainable solar solutions by offering a high-value recycling program that achieved a 95% global material recovery rate in 2023. Their manufacturing process also boasts the lowest carbon and water footprint among major solar panel producers, underscoring their dedication to solar energy sustainability .​

REC Group demonstrates its commitment to sustainable solar solutions by utilizing recycled materials in its manufacturing processes. Their cooperation with recycling partners ensures that practically every component of their solar panels can be completely recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy .

Canadian Solar has taken significant steps toward solar power sustainability by partnering with SOLARCYCLE to offer comprehensive recycling services to its U.S. customers. This initiative positions Canadian Solar as one of the first crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers to integrate end-of-life recycling services into their product offerings, enhancing the sustainability of their solar solutions.

Incorporating recyclable materials like aluminum and steel for mounting systems further enhances the sustainability of solar installations. These metals can be easily recycled at the end of their lifecycle, reducing the environmental footprint of solar farms. By integrating high-quality, recyclable, and efficient materials, developers can significantly lower the environmental impact of solar energy projects and promote a cleaner, more sustainable solar future.

3 - Sustainable Solar Installation Practices

Adopting best practices during the installation phase is essential for minimizing the environmental impact of solar energy projects and promoting sustainable solar solutions. One key strategy is minimizing soil disturbance during construction to protect soil health and local ecosystems. Techniques like no-till installation, limited grading, and using existing access tracks for machinery can help maintain soil structure and promote natural  erosion control for solar farms. Preserving existing vegetation around project sites—especially low-growing species that do not shade the array—helps stabilize the soil, support biodiversity, and reinforce solar energy sustainability.

Proper waste management is another critical component of sustainable solar energy practices. Recycling packaging materials, such as cardboard, wood pallets, and plastics, and responsibly disposing of electronic waste from damaged components can significantly lower a project's environmental footprint. Organizations such as SEIA’s National Recycling Program now offer resources to help solar developers and EPCs manage decommissioning and recycling, ensuring that even end-of-life panels contribute to broader solar power sustainability goals.

Implementing robust erosion control measures is equally important. Tools like silt fences, sediment basins, erosion control blankets, and vegetated swales help prevent soil runoff, protecting nearby waterways and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Training installation crews in sustainable solar construction techniques ensures that these best practices are consistently applied across projects, maximizing both environmental and operational performance.

4 - Wildlife-friendly Fencing Around Solar Farms

Integrating wildlife-friendly fencing is a crucial component of a sustainable solar energy strategy, balancing the need to protect solar infrastructure with preserving local ecosystems.

Thoughtful fencing designs that prioritize both security and biodiversity can significantly enhance the overall solar energy sustainability of a project. By incorporating permeable fencing, establishing wildlife corridors, and making seasonal adjustments, solar developers can create solar farms that coexist with surrounding habitats and promote broader sustainable solar solutions.

Permeable Fencing for Wildlife

Permeable fencing allows smaller wildlife species to traverse the barrier without compromising security. Methods to achieve this include:

• Raising the Fence: Elevating the bottom of the fence by a few inches off the ground creates a gap that small animals can use while keeping larger animals out.

• Wildlife-Friendly Mesh: Employing fencing materials with mesh that has openings small enough to prevent intrusion by larger animals but large enough to allow smaller creatures to pass through. 

Wildlife Corridors for Solar Farms

Creating designated wildlife corridors around or through solar farms is another important aspect of solar power sustainability. Corridors ensure that larger animals can safely navigate their traditional pathways without becoming trapped or forced into unsafe areas.

Effective strategies include:

• Strategic Gaps: Incorporating intentional openings or flexible sections in fencing at low-traffic zones to facilitate safe wildlife passage.

• Dedicated Pathways: Planning specific routes that guide animals around solar installations without disrupting natural behaviors or migration patterns.

Seasonal Adjustments to Fencing

To further align with wildlife needs, seasonal adjustments to the fencing system can be made to accommodate migration patterns and other seasonal behaviors. This involves:

• Adjusting Fence Heights: Raising or lowering the fence depending on the season to ensure that amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife can navigate their environments effectively.

• Periodic Gaps: Introducing temporary or adjustable gaps during key migration periods to allow animals to access different areas as needed.

5 - Vegetative Buffers for Wildlife And Erosion Control for Solar Farms

Incorporating vegetative buffers around solar farms is a powerful strategy for enhancing both solar energy sustainability and local ecosystems. Vegetative buffers provide critical habitat for wildlife, support biodiversity, and offer natural erosion control for solar farms. By integrating ecological features alongside energy production, developers contribute to broader sustainable solar solutions that benefit both the environment and the surrounding community.

Native Shrubs & Trees for Sustainable Solar

One of the most effective ways to establish vegetative buffers is by planting dense rows of native shrubs or trees along the perimeter of the solar farm. These species are naturally adapted to the local climate, making them ideal for fostering biodiversity and stabilizing the soil.

Native plants offer several advantages:

• They provide shelter and food sources for local wildlife, such as birds, insects, and small mammals, helping to create a safe and supportive habitat.

• Hedgerows made of native species like hawthorn, dogwood, or elderberry not only offer nesting sites for birds but also provide food sources for insects, such as nectar and pollen.

For example, shrubs like serviceberry and viburnum attract pollinators and offer berries to wildlife throughout the year, contributing to the farm's ecological health.

Using Local Flora for Sustainable Solar Power Sustainability

Choosing local flora for vegetative buffers further strengthens the farm's sustainability efforts. By selecting plants that are naturally suited to the region, solar developers can create diverse environments that support native wildlife.

This includes planting wildflowers, grasses, and small shrubs that provide:

• Habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

• Cover for small mammals and insects, promoting ecological balance.

• 
  

This approach not only enhances the site’s biodiversity but also reinforces solar power sustainability by minimizing the environmental impact of solar farms while maintaining energy production.

Preventing Shading Issues Near Solar Panels

While vegetative buffers offer numerous ecological benefits, developers must be mindful of potential shading that could impact solar panel efficiency. Overgrown plants near the solar panels could obstruct sunlight, reducing the amount of energy generated. To mitigate this, careful planning is essential.

Solutions include:

• Selecting low-growing plants near the solar panels to minimize shading.

• Regularly trimming or maintaining the vegetation to ensure it doesn't obstruct solar access.

By carefully managing the vegetative buffers, developers can ensure that both the ecological and operational goals of the solar farm are achieved, fostering a sustainable environment while optimizing energy production.

6 - Sustainable Ground Cover Management & Erosion Control for Solar Farms

Effective ground cover management is vital for maintaining the sustainability of commercial solar energy projects. Utilizing native and edible plants as ground cover can significantly reduce the need for mowing, thus lowering maintenance costs and promoting biodiversity. Native plants are adapted to the local environment, requiring less water and chemicals and providing habitat for local wildlife. For instance, pollinator-friendly plants such as native wildflowers can be integrated to support bee populations and erosion control for solar farms. 

“The long-term cost over the life of the facility to maintain pollinator habitat is half or even less than the cost to establish and maintain turfgrass,” said Heidi Hartman, Program Manager for Argonne National Laboratory, in an interview with Earth911. “I’ve seen a variety of costs, and it varies job by job because of the mowing costs.

In the first four years, pollinator habitat is more expensive because the wildflower seeds are more expensive than the turfgrass seeds. Once established, native wildflowers need much less maintenance, and they only need one mowing a year. They are also much more resistant to drought and soil erosion. Even 20 years down the road, the soil underneath will be in good condition to return it to valuable cropland.”

By focusing on sustainable ground cover management, solar developers can enhance biodiversity, promote sustainable solar energy, and ensure effective erosion control for solar farms, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of solar energy.

7 - Sheep Grazing For Vegetation Management and Erosion Control for Solar Farms

In addition to plant-based ground cover, incorporating livestock such as sheep for grazing at solar farms presents a sustainable alternative to traditional mowing methods. This approach helps manage vegetation and offers multiple ecological and operational benefits, particularly for erosion control for solar farms.

Sheep grazing is an effective, environmentally friendly way to control vegetation growth around the solar panels. Unlike mowing, which requires fossil fuels and regular maintenance, sheep naturally graze on the grasses and plants that can otherwise encroach on the solar panels, reducing the need for mechanical mowing equipment. Also, their grazing activities contribute to soil health by providing natural fertilization through their manure, which adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil. This practice plays a crucial role in erosion control for solar farms, helping to stabilize the soil and prevent runoff.

This method is particularly effective for solar farms with extensive, flat areas or rural settings where sheep can graze without disrupting surrounding land uses. It is also well-suited for sites with established vegetation, where sheep can graze between the rows of solar panels. 

Solar farms can establish partnerships with local sheep farmers to maximize the benefits of this approach. Such collaborations can help ensure the grazing schedule aligns with the farmers’ needs and the solar farm’s operational requirements. For example, farmers can rotate sheep through different sections of the solar farm, promoting even grazing and preventing overgrazing in any one area, which is essential for effective erosion control for solar farms.

Such partnerships with local ranchers can support local agriculture by providing farmers with additional grazing land and fostering community engagement through shared environmental stewardship. Together, these practices create a symbiotic relationship that enhances the ecological value of solar farms while promoting the sustainability of solar energy and contributing to the overall goal of sustainable solar energy.

Enhancing Solar Farm Appeal With Sustainability

In recent years, some communities have started to ban solar farms due to concerns over land use, visual impact, and potential effects on local ecosystems. Numerous counties across the United States have enacted moratoriums or outright bans on developing new renewable energy projects.

These actions are driven by fears that large-scale solar installations might disrupt rural landscapes, affect property values, or interfere with agricultural activities and wildlife. As a result, solar developers face increasing pressure to demonstrate that their projects offer more than just clean energy and positively contribute to local communities.

Developers, EPCs, and installers can emphasize sustainable energy practices that align with local values to counter these concerns and make solar farms more attractive. Implementing native wildflowers as groundcovers supports local biodiversity, visual appeal, and erosion control at solar farms.

Vegetative buffers, such as planting hedgerows and native shrubs along the perimeter, can provide wildlife habitats and create aesthetically pleasing green spaces that minimize the visual impact of solar farms. Solar developers can demonstrate their commitment to local communities by adopting these sustainable solar energy strategies, potentially easing community objections and fostering support for future projects.

State and local laws, such as setback requirements, determine the criteria for installing a solar farm. Various federal, state, and local agencies may need to approve a solar project before it can proceed. Solar farm permitting and siting can often take a long time, so teaming with us can be a smart move.

GreenLancer has specialized in solar permitting, engineering, and interconnection since 2013. Our solar design services include PV plan sets, interconnection applications, and PE stamps for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations. Create an account for free to get started.