**Why Available Land for Solar Projects is Shrinking – And What It Means for Homeowners**
When it comes to renewable energy, solar power continues to dominate the conversation. Installing solar panels for your home is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint while slashing utility bills. However, a new report highlights a growing challenge for the solar industry: the availability of suitable land for solar projects is rapidly shrinking across the U.S., potentially impacting solar companies, developers, and homeowners alike.
### The Shrinking Solar Land Supply
Between January and October 2024, the number of available sites suitable for renewable energy projects decreased by a stunning 21.9%, according to the recent findings. This trend is set to continue, with site availability expected to fall another 16.1% by mid-2025. States like Illinois, Oregon, and Connecticut are seeing the steepest declines. Suitable sites are those with at least 1 MW of feeder capacity and 15 buildable acres – criteria that are becoming harder to meet.
While large-scale solar arrays for utilities may bear the brunt of this shrinking land availability, the ripple effects touch homeowners, too. As fewer ideal parcels remain for community solar or commercial projects, it underscores
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/10/u-s-sees-a-22-drop-in-land-available-for-solar-sites/
