Solar installations fall into two categories: utility-scale solar where the power is fed directly into the grid (sometimes called industrial-scale), and distributed solar where the energy is used on the home, farm, business or school where it is generated (sometimes called behind-the-meter).
Across our service area, localities are considering special use permit applications for several utility-scale projects.
In response, the Alliance has created a set of considerations and best-practices to help Valley localities think through potential issues and develop their local response to project proposals. These utility-scale solar guidelines are the product of our outreach to other localities in the state that have experienced the permitting, construction, and maintenance phases of these projects as well as consideration of our local land uses and resources. (Download a copy for your local staff and electeds.)