Learning Center

What is a Solar Farm?

A solar farm is a large group of solar panels installed on the ground that operate together as a power plant. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, or “PV”, generate electricity from sunlight. Many solar panels are installed on the roofs of houses and other buildings, directly powering just those buildings. A solar farm, however, delivers large amounts of electricity to the existing high-voltage transmission system, which serves the entire region. The solar panels in many solar farms are fixed in a position tilted toward the sun (in North America, this is to the south). The low end of these panels is usually a few feet off the ground and the high end typically is about 10 feet off the ground. In some solar farms, the panels rotate slowly from east to west throughout the day, tracking the path of the sun.

How Long Do Solar Farms Last? How Is a Solar Farm Removed?

Solar farms operate for 30 to 40 years. At the end of that period, a landowner hosting one may want to reach a new arrangement under which the solar farm is “repowered” with newer technology, or the landowner may choose to have the solar farm removed. Solar farms require little or no concrete and so are relatively easy to remove at the end of the useful life of the equipment. (Anything below a depth of 3 feet usually is left in place because it will not impede other uses.) After a solar farm is removed, the land can be returned to its prior use, such as farming.

Learn More About Solar on Agricultural Land

Is Solar Safe?

Solar modules have been in use for decades are a safe, mature technology. Solar has been deployed on homes, schools, hospitals, and farms around the country. The modules have a 25-year production guarantee and are expected to last 40 years.

Learn More About the Health and Safety of Solar Facilities