May 8, 2025
Solar Landfill Redevelopment
Landfills to Light: How Solar Farms Are Redeveloping Brownfields
Introduction
Across the U.S., thousands of closed landfills and contaminated brownfields sit idle, often fenced off and unusable. But thanks to advancements in solar technology and growing demand for renewable energy, these forgotten sites are being transformed into clean energy hubs. This new wave of solar development is not just a smart use of underutilized land—it’s also a win for communities and the environment.
The Concept of Solar on Brownfields
Brownfields are previously developed sites that may be contaminated or otherwise unsuitable for traditional development. Landfills—both closed municipal and industrial sites—fall into this category.
Solar farms are particularly well-suited to these sites because:
No sensitive crops or structures are needed
Sites typically have existing road access
They turn non-productive land into clean energy sources
Why Landfills Make Good Solar Sites
Several factors make capped landfills prime real estate for solar energy:
⚡ Flat or gently sloped terrain simplifies installation
🏢 Limited reuse options make solar one of the few viable uses
♻️ Helps meet clean energy mandates without disturbing greenfields
🧳 Existing grid infrastructure may be nearby from previous site activity
Solar arrays can be ballasted (weighted down) rather than anchored into the ground to protect landfill caps.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Redeveloping landfills into solar farms creates multiple public and environmental wins:
🌍 Reduces pressure on undeveloped land for energy projects
✅ Cleans up blighted areas and deters illegal dumping
🌋 Cuts local carbon emissions by displacing fossil fuels
🏠 Generates local tax revenue and community lease income
🙌 Can lower energy bills through community solar programs
It’s a story of transformation: from waste to watts.
Challenges in Redeveloping Landfills for Solar
There are also unique hurdles:
Engineering: Designs must protect landfill integrity and prevent soil disturbance
Permitting: Local regulations may lack clarity on dual-use land
Interconnection: Some sites may be far from high-capacity grid lines
Public Perception: Community buy-in is essential, especially in historically underserved areas
These can be mitigated with community engagement, expert engineering, and partnerships with experienced developers like Surge.
Case Studies
Mount Olive, New Jersey
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Los Angeles County, California
These examples show the vast potential of landfill solar to scale quickly and equitably.
Policy and Incentives Supporting Brownfield Solar
EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative: Identifies and supports redevelopment of contaminated sites
Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Enhanced benefits for projects on energy communities
State Incentives: Many states offer carve-outs or incentives for brownfield redevelopment
Surge helps clients identify eligible sites and navigate the permitting and incentive landscape.
Conclusion
Landfill solar isn’t just a creative workaround—it’s a practical, scalable solution for clean energy expansion. With millions of acres of unused, environmentally constrained land across the U.S., turning brownfields into brightfields represents one of the best opportunities to accelerate solar deployment without sacrificing valuable farmland or green space.
TL;DR
Landfills and brownfields are ideal for solar: flat, non-arable, and underutilized
Solar on these sites benefits communities by improving land use, cutting emissions, and generating local income
Technical and permitting challenges exist but are manageable
Policy support and real-world success stories are helping scale this innovative approach
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