What Size Property Do I Need for Solar Development?

Minimum Property Size

20 acres minimum for utility-scale solar consideration in Maryland. Here's why:

• Solar panels + equipment require roughly 5-8 acres per megawatt
• Projects under 2MW often don't pencil economically for utility-scale development
• You need buffers, setbacks, and space for access roads

Sweet spot: 30-50 acres. Large enough to be economically attractive, small enough for faster permitting and development.

100+ acres: Premium properties that attract competitive offers from multiple developers.

Terrain Requirements

What Works

• Relatively flat land: Slopes under 10% are ideal. Up to 15% can work but increases development costs.
• South, southeast, or southwest facing: Maximizes sun exposure
• Open fields: Already cleared or easily cleared land
• Minimal wetlands: Some wetlands are okay if confined to edges

What Doesn't Work

• Heavily wooded areas requiring extensive clearing
• Steep slopes over 20%
• Large wetland sections in prime areas
• Rock outcroppings or quarry areas
• Heavy tree shading from adjacent properties

Grid Connection Distance

This is often the deciding factor:

• Within 1 mile of transmission lines: Excellent. Connection costs manageable.
• 1-2 miles: Good. Still economically viable.
• 2-3 miles: Feasible but reduces developer interest and lease rates.
• Beyond 3 miles: Usually not viable unless property is exceptionally large or transmission upgrade is already planned.

What lines matter: Not all powerlines work. Developers need distribution lines capable of handling megawatts of capacity—typically 34.5kV or higher. The small residential lines along roads usually don't cut it.

Access Requirements

• Road frontage: Public road access required for construction equipment
• Road quality: Existing roads should handle heavy trucks during construction
• Right of way: Clear access for construction and maintenance vehicles

Properties landlocked without road frontage can work if you can secure access easements, but it complicates development.

Zoning and Land Use

Maryland counties have different solar zoning rules:

• Agricultural zoning: Most common for solar in Maryland. Usually requires special exception or conditional use permit.
• Industrial zoning: Sometimes simplest approval path
• Residential zoning: Most restrictive. Large-scale solar often not permitted.

Developers handle rezoning and permitting, but existing favorable zoning makes your property more attractive.

Environmental Constraints

Factors that slow down or stop projects:

• Endangered species habitat: Requires extensive surveys and mitigation
• Historic properties: Within viewshed of historic sites may face restrictions
• 100-year floodplain: Usually not developable for solar
• Critical area buffers: Properties near Chesapeake Bay face additional scrutiny

What If Your Property Doesn't Check Every Box?

Don't self-disqualify. Developers evaluate properties holistically. Maybe your land is slightly smaller but has excellent grid access. Or it's a bit further from transmission but perfectly flat and already cleared.

The only way to know is to have a developer evaluate it. We've developed successful projects on properties that didn't seem ideal on paper because other factors compensated.

Quick Self-Assessment

Your property likely qualifies if you can answer yes to these:

1. At least 20 contiguous acres available for solar
2. Mostly flat or gently rolling terrain
3. Public road access
4. You can see powerlines from the property (or they're nearby)
5. Minimal forest cover or cleared for agriculture