A Municipal Roadmap to Preparing Brownfields, Superfund Sites, and Landfills for Solar Development

Every community can play a key role in shaping our clean energy future — and what better place to start than transforming contaminated or underutilized land into solar energy projects? Repurposing brownfields, Superfund sites, and landfills as solar energy assets is a powerful way for municipalities to promote clean energy, create local jobs, and revitalize communities. But navigating this transition requires thoughtful planning, regulatory savvy, and the right partners.

We’ve outlined some of the major steps and available resources for municipalities and solar champions who want to push sustainability forward in their communities. Here are some tools and key considerations for transforming brownfields, Superfund sites, and landfills into productive solar projects.

ACTION 1: Build Your Team

Who are the key local organizations, committees, and community groups that can collaborate on solar development, and what role can each play in advancing the project? Your Brownfields Task Force should have a Champion, Stakeholders and Partners.

Municipal Sustainability or Environmental Committees: Many towns or counties have advisory boards focused on sustainability or energy. In some state designation programs, forming a “Green Team” is a key step in launching a community sustainability initiative. These teams help develop plans, implement programs, and assist with community education.
Local Nonprofits and Environmental Groups: Groups like Sierra Club chapters or watershed organizations can bring dedicated volunteers and community trust to the table.
Solar Trade Associations: Organizations such as SEIA and regional associations (e.g., NYSEIA, PASSIA) offer valuable resources, guidance, and advocacy.
Colleges and Universities: Institutions with sustainability programs can offer expertise and research to empower organizations with practical solutions for climate, energy and sustainability, including solar energy.

ACTION 2: Create a Brownfield Inventory & Identify Your Priority Sites

What are the priority sites for solar development based on ownership, contamination status, zoning compatibility, and grid access and based on your site development vision and community needs?

Creating a brownfield inventory is a key first step in setting your redevelopment priorities. Consider the following factors:

Ownership and Liability Risks: Identify whether the site is publicly or privately owned and assess any potential legal hurdles.
Contamination and Remediation Status: Understand the level of cleanup required and how solar development may align with existing remediation plans.
Zoning Compliance: Inventory local zoning ordinances that do and do not permit solar development on these sites (in order to identify how to “Make your town Solar-friendly" as outlined in Action #4.)
Grid Access and Interconnection Costs: Consider proximity to substations and grid infrastructure to minimize development costs.

Utilize free resources from programs like the U.S. EPA's RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative Mapper, which provides detailed data for identifying potential sites. The EPA-funded Technical Assistance to Brownfields program which is organized into 10 regions across the United States and administered by entities like NJIT, offers free, tailored support to municipalities navigating brownfield solar projects.

💡 Identifying solar as an end us for a brownfield site can help expedite the remediation process. According to Elise Molleur, Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist at NJIT TAB, “Once a brownfield is slated for redevelopment for solar energy (e.g. a solar field), the remediation process and/or timeline can differ from other site reuse options. For example, since people do not live or work a 9-5 on a solar field, the cleanup standards would be less stringent than if the brownfield were to be redeveloped for a childcare facility or residential building. As a result, this can, depending on the level of contamination, speed up the timeline for brownfield redevelopment.”

ACTION 3: Navigate Regulations, Programs and Incentives

What local zoning codes, permitting requirements, and financial incentives are available, and how can they be leveraged to streamline solar development on contaminated sites?

Local Zoning and Permitting: Zoning, building codes, and environmental regulations vary by jurisdiction and must be addressed early in the planning process. This resource by Open Energy Data Initiative is a collection of documented solar siting ordinances at the state and local level across the states, to supplement the procurement of this information from local authorities.
State Incentive Programs: Many states offer tax incentives, rebates, and grants for renewable energy projects, including those on brownfields. You can utilize the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to identify available incentives and financing programs tailored for renewable development and energy efficiency.
Interconnection and Utility Coordination: Work with local utilities early to understand interconnection requirements and potential grid upgrades.
Energy Offtake: Identifying the offtake strategy is crucial for ensuring the financial viability of a solar project and maximizing the impact of a brownfield solar project. Determine if the solar energy will support municipal operations, feed into a community solar program, or be structured through a Power Purchase Agreement.

ACTION 4: Make Your Town Solar-Friendly

What local policies, permitting processes, or community designation programs can help reduce soft costs and remove barriers to solar adoption?

SolSmart Designation: This national program offers trainings in five categories to help municipalities signal their town is “open for business” for solar: permitting and inspection; planning and zoning; government operations; community engagement; market development.
State-Based Sustainability Programs: Tap into resources from Sustainable States Network and state-specific initiatives like New York’s Climate Smart Communities or Sustainable Jersey to access additional guidance and potential funding.

ACTION 5: Financial Analysis

What funding sources, tax incentives, and revenue-generating programs can support the financial viability of the solar project, and how can they be combined for maximum benefit?

State Renewable Energy Incentives: Many states have declared strong clean energy goals and offer incentives to comply with state Renewable Portfolio Standards. Programs like New York’s NY-Sun, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, and Illinois Solar for All significantly enhance project economics.
Federal Incentives: The Inflation Reduction Act provides attractive federal tax credits (Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit), with additional benefits specifically for solar on brownfields.
State-level Green Banks: Some states and municipalities offer low-interest financing options for renewable energy projects.

Moving Forward

These are some of the actions you can take to help your town become a solar host. Knowing that there are a variety of resources available is crucial to maintaining momentum, and always remember that community engagement remains a critical factor in ensuring project success!

By leveraging existing resources, streamlining local policies, and engaging key stakeholders, municipalities can successfully transform brownfields, Superfund sites, and landfills into productive solar energy facilities. Reach out to AC Power if you need help keeping the ball moving or still aren't sure how to get started!