Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in Stormwater Management for Solar Development Projects

As Southeastern states broaden their energy portfolio to embrace alternative sustainable sources, the increase in solar farm development has been notable. With the goal of keeping environmental preservation at the heart of green energy and integrated at all levels of the project, this presentation will explore challenges and opportunities in Stormwater Management for Solar Development Projects. Solar development projects offer numerous benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy independence, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, and providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. As Southeastern states broaden their energy portfolio to embrace alternative sustainable sources, the increase in solar farm development has been notable. These expansive facilities, often spanning hundreds of acres, prioritize maximizing solar panel layout, which brings a host of challenges related to stormwater management and erosion control. These challenges include accounting for impervious solar panels laying on top of grass pastures in stormwater management design, managing increased velocities and runoff volumes in the post-development phase, and establishing vegetation on site to accomplish final stabilization requirements. The design and construction of solar farms have the potential to negatively impact natural resources such as streams, lakes, and wetlands when these unique circumstances and challenges are not adequately addressed. It’s crucial for design engineers and contractors involved in solar farm development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management and erosion and sediment control (E&SC) as part of a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. Effective stormwater management and E&SC strategies will substantially help minimize impacts to downstream natural resources and neighboring properties from increased post-development runoff volumes, velocities, and sediment loads. With the goal of keeping environmental preservation at the heart of green energy and integrated at all levels of the project, this presentation will discuss:
- changes in regulatory requirements with examples from Southeastern States;
- best practices in design (e.g., hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) and site layout considerations);
- best practices in construction (e.g., stabilization and phasing); and
- innovative collaborations with agriculture.