Renewable Energy Site Selection Hurdles in Virginia

Optimal parcel-level photovoltaic and agrivoltaic site selection under physical and socioeconomic constraints

Gabe Wiggins, Michael Cary, and Susan Chen | Science Direct

February 1, 2026

Highlights

• Less than 2% of parcels in this study are suitable for photovoltaic development.

• Less than 1% of parcels in this study are suitable for agrivoltaic development.

• Photovoltaic and agrivoltaic developments are typically located on prime farmland.

• Farm conservation considerations affect land suitable for photovoltaic development.

• Zoning considerations have the potential to limit photovoltaic development.

Abstract

The previous literature on site selection for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and agrivoltaic (AgriPV) development has considered broad geographies with the intention to identify the best regions of countries for PV development. This paper considers Central Virginia, a region with a rich agricultural history that is experiencing increased PV development, and uses parcel-level data from local governments and a Weighted Product Model multi-criteria decision making process to identify suitable parcels of land for utility-scale PV and AgriPV development. We consider energy infrastructure proximity, land suitability, road access, and local zoning policies at the parcel level as necessary criteria. We identify parcels with optimal characteristics for both PV development and AgriPV development, as well as those parcels that are suitable for PV development yet not situated on prime agricultural land, a land use that these communities want to preserve. We also perform a sensitivity analysis that shows that zoning is the most significant bottleneck for one of the counties in our study.

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