Large-Scale Solar: Screening

One significant concern with the development of large-scale solar arrays is the viewshed. Neighbors, residents, and other stakeholders are often concerned about the loss of natural views that people enjoy. To address these concerns, municipalities can require screening in their zoning ordinances to block solar panels from the view of roadways and neighboring homes.

Screening tools may include earth berms or lines of trees and other vegetation that create a natural look. Windscreens or plastic inserts can also be utilized on fences around solar sites to block them from view. These methods can also be combined with ordinances that apply larger setbacks to better hide arrays from view.

Ordinances vary, but some might require developers to use pollinator-friendly plants or specify the type of tree, the space between them, and the color of a windscreen if applicable. Screening can, at times, be considered burdensome to developers. For example, one or more sides of a project may be facing an empty field or woods, so it would make little sense to screen those sides of the project. Another consideration for an ordinance should also be that if a tree or other plants that are part of the screening die, the developer should replace them.

Developers often request variances, which are requests to change the ordinance's requirements for the specific project. Variances could be as simple as asking for a different type of tree since perhaps the one required isn't available or changing the color of the windscreen. This approach protects the viewshed but may cause more work for the developer and local officials. Requests for variances could be complex and contentious, including asking for a reduction of setbacks or even eliminating screening measures.

Another option that municipalities could undertake is putting the burden of proof on the developer, requiring them to do a viewshed study and submit a screening plan for approval that protects the viewshed. Using this method allows the developer to account for the realities of the site. This approach allows for screening to be modified based on the proximity and type of land use adjacent to the project site.

Municipalities could also grant zoning officers leeway to change the requirements for the project based on the site. Allowing this can remove unnecessary costs and effort for the developer and the municipality while ensuring adequate project screening. Enabling this could also allow neighbors of the solar site to provide their ideas for screening.

Zoning ordinances may already have screening requirements for other types of land uses in their municipality. For solar development, municipalities should consider if changes are needed to the requirements based on the differences from other uses. Screening can go a long way in addressing the concerns of residents and neighboring homeowners.