Energy Siting

A Comparative Analysis of Community Support for U.S. Large-Scale Solar Development

Project Objective

The objective of this research project is to evaluate when and how the influence of siting practices, as well as community perceptions, affect community support for large-scale solar projects and the advancement of projects from planning to completion.

We will use a mixed-methods research design that includes surveys, interviews, public information collection, and site visits.

Primary Project Team

Sanya Carley & Parrish Bergquist, & Alison Knasin

Shahzeen Attari, David Konisky, & Jennifer Silva

Gilbert Michaud

Project Outputs

Topical Review

Public attitudes and community engagement in large-scale solar siting

A systematic literature review of studies evaluating (1) the factors that shape the perception, acceptance, and opposition of large-scale solar; and (2) the role of stakeholders and community engagement in current large-scale solar siting conflicts.

S. Gadzanku, W. Qu, S. Z. Attari, P. Bergquist, S. Carley, A. Knasin, D. M. Konisky, G. Michaud, and J. Silva. 2025. Environmental Research Letters. 20, 113001.

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