Siting & Permitting Topic Framework

Five domains organize every topic a utility-scale solar, wind, or storage project touches across its lifetime. These form the backbone of SRC's database, our technical assistance, and our expert network.

Land Use & Environmental

Project interactions with land, ecosystems, and natural resources

  • Land Use Change
  • Wildlife Interactions
  • Natural Resources
  • Agrivoltaics
  • Ecovoltaics
  • Disturbed or Underutilized Lands
  • Landscape-Scale Effects
  • Land Requirements & Efficiency

Social, Community & Economic

Community relationships, economic impacts, and social dimensions of siting

  • Community Perceptions
  • Changes to Community Character
  • Property Prices
  • Community Engagement
  • Community Benefits
  • Economic & Market
  • Workforce
  • Cultural Resources

Regulatory, Policy & Market

The legal, regulatory, and market landscape governing project approval

  • Planning Frameworks
  • Zoning, Setbacks, Land Use
  • Local, State, Federal Permitting
  • Tax Policy
  • Case Law
  • Utility, PUC, ISO
  • Market Conditions
  • Grid Fundamentals

Health & Safety

Risks and hazards to people, property, and public safety

  • Noise
  • Fire Safety, Building Codes
  • Glint / Glare
  • Radar
  • Shadow Flicker
  • Ice Throw, Blade Shedding
  • Contamination
  • Wildfire Risk
  • Aviation Obstruction
  • Seismic, Structural, Flood
  • Emission Reduction

Facility Lifecycle & Operations

Project development, construction, long-term operations, and end-of-life

  • Site Selection
  • Landowner Relations
  • Interconnection
  • Project Economics
  • Construction Practices
  • Operations & Maintenance
  • Decommissioning
  • Repowering
  • Insurance
  • Bonding / Financial Assurances
  • Supply Chain, Manufacturing
  • RE Tech Fundamentals

Need help with one of these topics?

We provide no-cost technical assistance to organizations working on renewable energy siting and permitting. If you're navigating a specific topic in this framework, we can connect you with vetted experts and relevant resources.

Request assistance