Clearing the Air: The Truth Behind Common Brownfield Solar Myths

The conversation around energy in the U.S. isn’t about whether we need more power — it’s about how we generate it. Do we continue relying on carbon-heavy fuels, or do we accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy?

At AC Power, we specialize in turning brownfields into brightfields, repurposing landfills and other previously disturbed sites for solar energy production. This approach delivers clean energy while preserving valuable farmland and forests. However, despite the well-documented benefits, misconceptions about brownfield solar persist.

We’ve heard the concerns — at town meetings, in stakeholder discussions, and even from sustainability advocates. Questions like: Is it safe to build solar on a landfill? Will it disturb contaminants? Is brownfield solar financially viable? These concerns are valid, but the facts tell a different story.

Let’s clear the air and separate fact from fiction when it comes to brownfield solar development.

Myth 1: It’s Unsafe to Build Solar Projects on Landfills

The installation of photovoltaic systems on brownfields — often called “brightfields” — is engineered to minimize any disturbance to the waste below. The EPA, in collaboration with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has developed best practices for siting solar photovoltaics on municipal solid waste landfills, addressing common technical challenges. Strict environmental regulations ensure that no project moves forward unless it meets rigorous safety standards and safeguards the integrity of the landfill and its cap. AC Power’s projects leverage the industry-standard ballasted ground mount, which refrains from penetrating any existing cap, instead resting securely on top of the site.

Myth 2: Constructing Solar Facilities on Brownfields Puts Workers at Risk

EPA regulations and occupational safety standards ensure that solar construction on landfills is conducted safely. All required Environmental Site Assessments are conducted before construction to identify any potential hazards. When necessary, further environmental reviews and mitigation measures are implemented to ensure a safe working environment. Additionally, landfill solar projects use specialized construction techniques to protect both workers and the landfill itself. For example: 

• Ground-Mounted Ballasted Racking Systems, as referenced above – Instead of driving posts into the ground, solar panels are mounted on weighted ballasts that sit atop the landfill cap, avoiding soil disturbance. 

• Protective Equipment & Training – Workers follow strict OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines and wear proper protective equipment to safeguard against potential site-specific risks. 

• Limited Ground Penetration – Construction methods are designed to preserve the integrity of the landfill cap, reducing exposure to any underlying materials. 

Myth 3: Solar Farms Decrease Property Values

This is a claim that is often made about solar projects in general, and while there is already ample evidence that their impact on property values is negligible, it’s worth considering in the context of brownfield solar installations specifically. By transforming landfills, Superfund sites, and other brownfields into productive energy hubs, these projects can revitalize local economies through job creation, new business opportunities, increased tax revenue, and local spending. Rather than diminishing property values, brightfield developments can actually enhance community desirability by turning blighted land into an economic asset.

Myth 4: Installing Solar Panels on Landfills and Brownfields Will Disturb and Release Contaminants

Solar installations on landfills and brownfields are specifically designed to avoid disturbing contaminated materials, ensuring that no harmful substances are released into the environment. Solar arrays are only installed on sites that have been thoroughly remediated and capped to prevent contaminant migration. The construction process typically involves installing protective layers (such as geomembranes) and non-invasive mounting systems that do not penetrate the waste. This controlled approach ensures that any potential contaminants remain securely sealed and not disturbed or released.

Myth 5: Brownfield Solar Is More Expensive to Develop

While brownfield development may involve 10-15% higher construction costs due to environmental liabilities, benefits like lower land acquisition costs, proximity to infrastructure, and incentives can offset these. The Inflation Reduction Act offers a 10% tax credit adder for energy communities, leveling costs, and states like New Jersey provide brownfield-specific incentives. Thus, overall costs can be competitive with greenfield development, especially in urban areas with high demand.

Myth 6: Solar Projects on Brownfields Cause Further Environmental Harm

Developing solar projects on brownfields can actually improve the local environment. By repurposing contaminated or idle sites, these projects cap potential sources of pollution and reduce the pressure to develop pristine greenfield land, preserving natural habitats. Solar installations can stabilize sites, preventing further contamination spread, and contribute to clean energy generation without emissions. In many cases, converting brownfields to “brightfields” helps revitalize communities and enhances local ecosystems by preventing further degradation. In fact, identifying solar as the end use of a contaminated site early on can help expedite the remediation and clean-up process.

Myth 7: Brownfield Solar Projects Are Too Complex to Implement

Every brownfield site is unique, but the solar industry has matured in its ability to assess, remediate, and develop these sites effectively. Standardized engineering practices and improved permitting protocols have reduced complexity, enabling successful projects across the United States.  Solar developers like AC Power have expertise in identifying and mitigating liabilities and will overcome these challenges.

Myth 8: Permitting Takes Too Long on Brownfields

Although brownfields may require additional environmental reviews, many local and state agencies have instituted expedited permitting processes for renewable energy projects on such sites. Incentive programs and regulatory reforms have shortened timelines significantly compared to traditional greenfield developments, making brownfield solar both efficient and practical. Programs like NYSERDA’s Build-Ready support municipalities through permitting, reducing delays. While complexities exist, supportive policies can make permitting faster, especially compared to greenfield projects facing community opposition.

Myth 9: Brownfield Solar Competes with Other Redevelopment Uses

Rather than competing with other redevelopment efforts, solar projects on brownfields often complement them by transforming underused or blighted areas into productive assets. Brownfields often have limited redevelopment potential due to contamination, making solar a viable option where housing or commercial development is impractical. Indeed, AC Power elects to develop facilities only where solar is the best and highest end use for the site. As with any redevelopment plan, a site should suit the needs of the community in which it’s located. Further, the revenue generated from solar leases can spur on investment in community revitalization and even support mixed-use redevelopment over time. This sustainable reuse can enhance property values and create economic opportunities for adjacent redevelopment projects.

Myth 10: Projects Are Abandoned at the End of Their Useful Life

Solar project owners are obligated by lease agreements to decommission the project once it's no longer operational. Many local, county, and state jurisdictions also require bonding to guarantee the project’s safe removal and land restoration. A solid decommissioning plan is essential to ensure that neither the county nor landowners are burdened with the costs of dismantling the project or returning the land to its original state. Some municipalities are strengthening their decommissioning requirements, requiring developers to include detailed plans for recycling solar panels as part of the decommissioning plan.

The Future of Brownfield Solar Is Bright

At AC Power, we are leaders in brownfield solar development, helping municipalities, corporations, and landowners turn liabilities into assets. By debunking myths and educating stakeholders, we can accelerate the clean energy transition while reenergizing communities with solar — one brownfield at a time.

AC Power is a woman-owned solar developer transforming contaminated properties into clean energy assets that benefit communities and accelerate climate solutions. Our mission is to reenergize communities with solar — one brownfield at a time. Get in touch to learn how you can repower your land today!