By: Anna Weitz, Clean Energy Engineer

American Clean Power hosted its 2025 Siting & Permitting Conference in Seattle, Washington, from April 14-16, drawing over 1,350 attendees. The event brought together professionals from the clean energy sector to discuss the challenges, best practices, and potential solutions in siting and permitting renewable energy projects. The conference featured three key tracks: Stakeholder Engagement, Natural & Cultural Resources, and Emerging Technology & Policy.

Keynote speaker, Jake Oster, Amazon (Above)

The sessions explored a wide range of topics, including community engagement, agrivoltaics, vegetation management, stormwater management, battery storage safety, transmission, and decommissioning. Many of the best practices shared at the event aimed at reducing environmental impacts and enhancing community benefits, some of which can be implemented in North Carolina.

One of the highlights was agrivoltaics— the integration of solar energy projects with agricultural activities. Examples include grazing sheep, growing crops, or creating pollinator habitats within solar installations. During a session moderated by Stacie Peterson from the American Solar Grazing Association, panelists discussed how to implement agrivoltaics effectively. They emphasized the importance of early collaboration between farmers and developers to select the best site plans, including wire management and minimizing soil compaction during construction. Pre-construction soil testing and land use studies were also recommended to ensure the site is suitable for the intended agricultural purposes. For grazing sheep, it’s essential to find land that receives adequate rainfall to support grass growth but isn’t prone to saturation, which could damage the sheep’s hooves. Agrivoltaics not only supports local economies by encouraging farmers to invest in equipment like tractors and trailers but also creates jobs, as farmers will need assistance with tasks like managing livestock or crops.

Another topic discussed at the conference was vegetation monitoring and landscape screening, which is crucial for the visual impact of solar projects on nearby communities. In a session titled Resiliency and Flexibility for Landscape Screening, panelists shared key strategies for creating effective landscape buffers. These included selecting plants that are realistic in size and quantity for the local environment and ensuring access to water resources for the plants’ survival. They also discussed the importance of addressing transplant stress, as it may take longer for plants to establish than expected. As an alternative, developers might offer neighbors the option to forgo buffer plants in favor of maintaining agricultural activity close to the site. Another useful practice is to establish a replacement warranty with planting contractors to ensure that underperforming plants are replaced. Proper installation and ongoing maintenance of landscape buffers significantly improve the project’s visual appeal and enhance community relationships.

The conference also tackled the topic of decommissioning renewable energy projects. While not all states require upfront decommissioning plans or financial assurances from the developer, it is considered a best practice that assures communities and stakeholders that facilities will not be abandoned at the end of their lifespan. Caroline Boecher from Westwood Professional Services dove deeper into this topic, explaining that decommissioning estimates are based on current values, as future inflation rates and salvage values are uncertain. It is recommended to update these estimates every 5-10 years. While recycling costs are not yet factored into decommissioning budgets—due to the small scale of the recycling industry—solar and wind projects are over 90% recyclable, and the recycling industry is expected to grow as more projects reach the end of their life cycle. North Carolina will implement decommissioning and financial assurance requirements for solar facilities by November 2025, in line with House Bill 130.

Finally, community engagement was a central theme throughout the conference. Industry leaders shared insights on how to build meaningful relationships with local communities. Developers should work with experts to answer questions but also engage trusted local figures—such as neighboring farmers who have had positive experiences with renewable energy projects—who can help build credibility. It’s essential for community members to feel heard and respected, with their concerns acknowledged rather than dismissed. Supporting local governments in educating their constituents is also valuable, as is ensuring that local experts can verify information before community meetings. A helpful tip shared by a county commissioner was to provide a library of potential community benefits during the negotiation of community benefits agreements, rather than dictating the benefits from the developer’s side. Building and maintaining trust with communities and local governments is a continuous process throughout the life of a project.

In conclusion, the 2025 ACP Siting & Permitting Conference provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for professionals in the renewable energy sector. From agrivoltaics and effective vegetation management to the importance of decommissioning plans and community engagement, the conference highlighted the critical issues facing the industry today. By embracing best practices shared by experts and fostering strong relationships with local communities, developers can navigate challenges and create cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. As the clean energy landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned at this event will be essential for ensuring the responsible growth and long-term success of renewable energy projects across the country, including in North Carolina.