As energy transitions continue to expand nationally and in the Commonwealth, utility scale solar is being seen as becoming one of the key energy sources of our future. While solar currently makes up only 1-2 percent of total power generation in Pennsylvania, it is projected to have rapidly expanded by 2030 to impact over 80,000 acres of land in the state. Much of the solar footprint currently being leased is on agricultural or forested land. Questions are arising around whether or not conserved land can be leased for utility solar, what impact this type of leasing could have on farmland preservation in the near term, and how can local communities plan for large scale solar arrays in their jurisdiction. As part of this session, the presenters will take the participants on an immersive virtual "tour" to gain a birds-eye view of several utility scale projects in PA, offering a better understanding of the implications and impacts.
