According to a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, potentially contaminated properties, landfills and mining sites may make good sites for placement of photovoltaic electricity generation operations.

EPA notes that it “has screened more than 11,000 potentially contaminated sites and municipal solid waste landfills” and concluded that these sites may be particularly well suited for solar development because they (i) are often located near critical infrastructure, including electric transmission lines and roads; (ii) are often located near areas with high energy demand; (iii) present the flat topography needed for solar projects; (iv) are often offered at lower land costs when compared to open spaces; and (v) may already be zoned for renewable energy projects.