Solar farm locations: Top projects and why they’re built there

Solar farm location selection is a complex process involving detailed geospatial analysis to identify viable sites that balance high solar irradiance, land suitability, grid proximity, and regulatory feasibility. Developers utilize GIS and mapping platforms like Felt to layer data sets, analyze spatial data, and improve decision-making by visualizing solar potential and sharing insights collaboratively. Key factors in site selection include sunlight availability, land characteristics, proximity to grid infrastructure, and compliance with land-use regulations, all of which affect a project's feasibility, profitability, and operational efficiency. The largest solar farm developments are currently in China, but in the U.S., states like California, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Arizona are favorable for large-scale solar projects due to their abundant sunlight, suitable land, accessible grid connections, and supportive policies. Using tools like Felt, developers can streamline the site selection process by analyzing solar resource maps, terrain data, and regulatory constraints, allowing for rapid, data-driven decisions that facilitate the deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects.