Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most popular and sustainable ways to generate power. As more people and businesses turn to renewable energy, finding the best spots in the United States to build solar farms is crucial.

This is where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) comes in. GIS technology helps us analyze the environment, land features, and land use to identify the best places for solar energy projects. By using GIS, we can boost energy production and reduce the environmental impact, all while helping the country meet its renewable energy goals.

How to Use GIS for Solar Panel Placement

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a valuable tool for finding the best spots to place solar panels, no matter the size of the project. The process usually starts with gathering and organizing data, such as location, elevation, land cover, solar radiation levels, and electricity demand. Once this data is ready, it’s analyzed to figure out the potential solar energy production, the best panel orientation and tilt, and how much shading might affect the site.

After that, different scenarios are modeled to explore options like the number, size, and type of solar panels, how they’re arranged, and the costs and benefits of each setup. Environmental impacts are also considered. The final step is to visualize and present the results using maps, charts, and reports that show where the solar panels should go, how much energy they could produce, and the potential savings and trade-offs for each scenario.

Interesting Fact #1: GIS software can model solar radiation to estimate how much energy a site can produce throughout the year. By using historical solar radiation data along with topographical and climate information, developers can accurately assess a site’s potential for solar energy production.

Examples of GIS in Solar Panel Placement

GIS can be used for placing solar panels in various settings, from individual buildings to entire regions. For a single building, GIS can help determine the best spots on the roof or facade for solar panels, taking into account factors like the roof’s shape, how much sun it gets, and how much electricity the building uses. It can also help calculate how long it will take for the solar system to pay for itself.

At a community level, GIS can identify and prioritize the best areas and buildings for solar panel installations, considering land use, population density, electricity demand, and potential solar energy production. It can also assess the social and environmental benefits of implementing solar energy across a community.

On a larger, regional scale, GIS is essential for planning and optimizing the locations and sizes of large-scale solar farms. It helps determine the best sites by considering land availability, solar radiation levels, proximity to the power grid, and environmental impact. GIS also evaluates whether solar projects are feasible and how they can be integrated with other energy sources.

Interesting Fact #2: The success of solar energy projects largely depends on choosing the right location, orientation, and minimizing shading. GIS plays a key role in this by using solar radiation modeling to identify the areas with the most consistent and optimal sunlight, ensuring maximum energy output.

The Best States for Solar Farms

When looking for the best states in the U.S. to develop solar farms, California, Texas, South Carolina, Arizona, and some others stand out. These states provide ideal conditions, strong government support, and a firm commitment to renewable energy. Building solar farms in these areas can help meet the growing need for clean energy, playing a key role in the country’s transition to a more sustainable future.

California

California is the leading state for solar energy development, thanks to its plentiful sunshine, supportive policies, and dedication to clean energy. The state hosts some of the largest solar farms in the country, including Solar Star, Topaz Solar Farm, and Ivanpah Solar.

California has a well-established pipeline for utility-scale solar projects, with 7,700 MW in planned capacity across 240+ projects, 28,500 MW in the queue for 119 projects, and 4,400 MW in site control for 31 projects. If all these projects are completed, California could increase its solar capacity by an impressive 40 GW. On average, a solar farm in California covers 171 acres and produces 17.8 MW of electricity, requiring about 9.6 acres per MW of capacity.

Texas

Texas offers an excellent environment for solar farm development with its vast open plains and abundant sunlight. The state’s supportive regulatory climate and commitment to renewable energy have made it a hotspot for solar investments.

In Texas, the average solar farm spans 100 acres and generates around 25 MW of electricity under optimal conditions. This output can supply power to approximately 8,000 households, given the average household electricity consumption in Texas is more than 14,000 kilowatt-hours per year.

South Carolina

As of Q3 2023, South Carolina had 108 operational solar farms with a total capacity of 1,500 MW, producing 159,100 MWh of electricity. The state has a significant number of solar farms compared to others in the U.S. and continues to expand its solar sector, with 5 solar farms under construction (totaling 10 MW) and 25 planned solar farms with a combined capacity of 1,640 MW. Additionally, there are 3 utility-scale queued projects and 2 site control projects. If all these projects are completed, South Carolina’s solar capacity could grow by 1,650 MW, marking a 110% increase in the state’s capacity.

On average, a solar farm in South Carolina covers 116 acres and generates around 14 MW of electricity under ideal conditions, which means about 8.3 acres are needed per MW of capacity.

Arizona

Arizona’s abundant sunlight and vast desert landscapes make it an ideal place for solar farm development. The state has a strong solar potential and is already home to several large-scale solar projects. Arizona’s supportive policies and commitment to renewable energy continue to attract solar investors.

As of May 2024, Arizona has become a major hub for solar energy, with over 5.3 GW of installed solar capacity, ranking it fifth in the nation. The state has seen a total of $19 billion in solar investments, bolstered by a significant drop in solar prices—47% over the past decade. Arizona is expected to add 9 GW of solar capacity over the next five years.

In Arizona, the average solar farm covers 262 acres and produces about 57 MW of electricity under optimal conditions. This output can meet the energy needs of roughly 35,400 households, given that the average household in Arizona consumes about 14,000+ kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

New Jersey

As of July 2024, New Jersey has made substantial progress in the solar energy sector, with 5,350 MW of installed solar capacity, making it the 10th largest state in the U.S. for solar energy. The state has attracted $15 billion in solar investments, fueling further growth. Over the next five years, New Jersey is expected to add another 2,650 MW of solar capacity.

In New Jersey, the average solar farm is 37.2 acres and generates about 3.5 MW of electricity under optimal conditions. This amount of energy can power approximately 3,400 households, considering the typical household in New Jersey uses about 8,900 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts currently has 500+ active utility-scale solar farms, with a total capacity of 2,048 MW and an average capacity of 4.6 MW per farm. The state has a strong pipeline for future solar development, including 32 planned farms with a total capacity of 125 MW and 27 queued projects totaling 274 MW.

If all under-construction, planned, and queued projects become operational, Massachusetts will expand its solar capacity by 454.5 MW. The average solar farm in Massachusetts covers 49 acres and produces 4.6 MW of electricity under ideal conditions.

Colorado

As of June 2024, Colorado has made significant advancements in solar energy, with 2,260 MW of installed capacity, placing it 12th in the U.S. for solar power. The state has seen $7.8 billion in solar investments, driving further development. Over the next five years, Colorado is projected to add 3,400 MW of solar capacity.

In Colorado, the average solar farm spans 213 acres and generates around 19.2 MW of electricity under optimal conditions. This energy can meet the needs of approximately 15,600 households, with the average household in Colorado using 10,760 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Kansas

Kansas currently has 15 operational utility-scale solar farms with a combined capacity of 49 MW. The state has a strong pipeline for future development, with 4 farms under construction, 2 planned farms, 50 queued projects totaling over 10 GW, and 2 site control projects with a combined capacity of 97 MW.

If all these projects are completed, Kansas could expand its solar capacity by nearly 11 GW. The average solar farm in Kansas covers 30.6 acres and produces 3.2 MW of electricity under ideal conditions.

Utah

Utah has experienced significant growth in solar energy due to its abundant sunshine, supportive policies, and increasing investment in renewable infrastructure. As of 2024, Utah has over 3,000 MW of installed solar capacity, with utility-scale solar growing from just 0.1% of the state’s energy generation in 2015 to more than 11% in 2024.

The average solar farm in Utah covers 240 acres and generates approximately 42 MW of electricity under optimal conditions. This amount of energy can power around 30,740 households, with the typical household in Utah consuming 11,900 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Kentucky

As of February 2024, Kentucky has 7 operational solar farms with a combined capacity of 68 MW, generating 11,670 MWh of electricity. The state has 2 solar farms under construction with a total capacity of 57 MW and 5 planned farms with 737 MW capacity. Kentucky also has a significant number of queued projects, with 144 in total, and 9 site control projects.

If all planned and under-construction farms become operational, Kentucky will increase its solar capacity by 790 MW. The average solar farm in Kentucky covers 113 acres and produces 9.7 MW of electricity under ideal conditions, requiring an average of 11.5 acres per MW of capacity.

Missouri

As of Q3 2023, Missouri has 25 operational solar farms with a total capacity of 91 MW, generating 10,600 MWh of electricity. The state has a strong pipeline for development, with 2 farms under construction (totaling 8 MW), 1 planned farm with a capacity of 10 MW, 25 queued projects, and 18 site control projects. If all these projects become operational, Missouri’s solar capacity could grow by 18 MW, representing a 24% increase.

In Missouri, the average solar farm covers 24 acres and produces 3.5 MW of electricity under ideal conditions, requiring about 6.8 acres per MW of capacity. 

Location Intelligence for Climate Action

Location intelligence, a key element of GIS, is crucial in supporting climate action initiatives. By using GIS technology, decision-makers can pinpoint areas that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and heatwaves. Through the analysis of spatial data, targeted strategies can be created to mitigate risks, adapt infrastructure, and safeguard communities.

For instance, GIS can map flood-prone areas, helping to develop effective risk management plans and implement measures that reduce the potential impact of flooding. Additionally, GIS can be used to identify the best locations for renewable energy infrastructure, particularly for solar energy. By analyzing solar radiation data, decision-makers can optimize the placement of solar panels to maximize clean, sustainable energy generation across various networks and infrastructures.

GIS plays a vital role in monitoring and tracking greenhouse gas emissions, which is essential for climate action. By integrating data from multiple sources, GIS helps in the creation and assessment of climate action plans. This enables decision-makers to evaluate the success of emission reduction strategies, identify areas needing improvement, and monitor progress toward achieving climate goals.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal locations for solar farm development requires a thoughtful analysis of various factors. Tools like Energy DataLink and Rextag's data services are invaluable in this process, offering comprehensive insights that streamline site selection and ensure the success of solar projects.

For over a decade, Rextag has provided data services that add value across the entire energy supply chain. Solar developers can rely on Rextag to locate the nearest substation to potential solar farm sites and to identify the voltage and other key characteristics of nearby electric transmission lines. Additionally, Rextag offers essential data on electric grid generation, transmission, and other critical infrastructure, as well as information on renewable resources like wind, solar, biodiesel, geothermal, RNG, hydrogen, and ethanol.

By integrating these data services, developers can access a wealth of information on solar irradiance, topography, land use, and proximity to infrastructure. This allows them to identify regions with optimal conditions for solar energy generation. With the detailed insights provided by Energy DataLink and Rextag's GIS tools, developers can make informed decisions that enhance the efficiency, productivity, and economic viability of their solar energy projects.

If you are looking for more information about energy companies, their assets, and energy deals, please, contact our sales office mapping@hartenergy.com, Tel. 619-349-4970 or SCHEDULE A DEMO to learn how Rextag can help you leverage energy data for your business.