Glossary Category 2: Site Selection & Land Use
Site Control
Definition: The legal right to access, develop, or acquire a piece of land for a project. Site control can take several forms: an option agreement, lease, easement, or outright purchase.
Example: A solar developer signs a 5-year option agreement with a landowner to secure the right to lease 500 acres once all permits and interconnection approvals are obtained.
Note: Site control is often required before utilities or ISOs (like ERCOT or CAISO) will process an interconnection request.
Option Agreement
Definition: A binding contract that gives a developer the right (but not the obligation) to purchase or lease a property within a set timeframe, under specific terms.
Example: A wind developer pays a landowner $20 per acre per year for the right to lease the land for turbine placement if the project moves forward within 3 years.
Why it matters: This reduces upfront costs and risk while securing land early in the development cycle.
Lease Agreement
Definition: A long-term contract granting the right to use land for development and operation, often with guaranteed payments and/or royalties.
Example: A 25-year solar lease paying the landowner $750/acre/year, with annual escalators and a revenue share based on project output.
Note: Most utility-scale renewable projects are built on leased land rather than purchased land.
Land Purchase (Fee Simple)
Definition: Acquiring full ownership of land, typically for critical infrastructure like substations, battery storage, or switchyards.
Example: A battery developer buys a 10-acre parcel near a substation in fee simple to ensure full control and fewer permitting complications.
Key Point: Purchasing land may speed up permitting but increases upfront capital and liability.
Land Use Compatibility
Definition: The degree to which a proposed renewable energy use fits with surrounding uses, zoning, and community expectations.
Example: A solar project proposed next to rural farmland is likely considered compatible, while one near a high-end housing development may face public opposition.
Agency Involvement: Planning & zoning departments often assess compatibility during permit review or public hearings.
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Definition: A study to determine the presence of contamination or other environmental risks on a property. A Phase I ESA reviews history and aerials; a Phase II involves soil or groundwater testing.
Example: A developer conducts a Phase I ESA on a former industrial site before deciding to lease it for a solar project.
Note: Often required by lenders and investors to ensure the site poses no liability under federal environmental laws (e.g., CERCLA).
Wetlands Delineation
Definition: A field study used to identify and map regulated wetlands on a property, based on vegetation, hydrology, and soils.
Example: During due diligence, a renewable developer discovers 7 acres of jurisdictional wetlands that will require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting to cross.
Regulatory Note: Section 404 of the Clean Water Act governs impacts to wetlands and waterways.
Floodplain Analysis
Definition: The process of determining if a proposed site lies in a FEMA-designated flood zone and what limitations or mitigation may apply.
Example: A battery storage site is found to sit partially in a 100-year floodplain, requiring elevation above base flood elevation or floodproofing measures.
Agency: Local floodplain administrators, FEMA, and city permitting departments may be involved.
Setbacks (Land Use Buffer)
Definition: Minimum required distances between a renewable facility (e.g., panels, turbines, batteries) and property lines, roads, homes, or other features.
Example: A county ordinance requires solar panels to be at least 50 feet from neighboring property lines and 300 feet from any occupied dwelling.
Purpose: Reduce visual, sound, and safety concerns and preserve landowner and community rights.
Glare and Shadow Flicker Study
Definition: A technical analysis used to assess potential impacts from sunlight reflections (solar) or moving shadows (wind) on nearby properties.
Example: A glare study finds that a proposed solar project near an airport would reflect sunlight into an air traffic control tower, requiring design adjustments.
Note: These studies are often required near airports, roads, or homes.
Cultural Resource Survey
Definition: A field assessment to identify historic or archaeological resources that may be affected by the project.
Example: A wind developer must reroute a transmission line after discovering a Native American artifact site during the cultural resource survey.
Agency: Typically required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act if federal permitting is involved.
Visual Impact Assessment
Definition: A study that simulates or models how a renewable energy project will be seen from public viewpoints or sensitive receptors (homes, parks, roadways).
Example: A proposed wind farm near a national park requires visual simulations to evaluate whether turbine views will affect visitor experience.
Often part of state or local environmental permitting.
Noise Impact Study
Definition: An analysis of the expected sound levels from project operations (e.g., turbines, transformers, inverters) and their effects on nearby residents.
Example: A battery project includes a noise study to show its HVAC and inverter equipment will remain below nighttime decibel limits at the nearest home 800 feet away.
Purpose: To address local ordinances and mitigate community concerns.