Least-Conflict Solar Siting
Mapping Groups
Mapping groups (also known as working groups) are at the core of the least-conflict process. Farmland, ranchland, and environmental conservation groups have been meeting to identify criteria and map their least-conflict areas. The solar industry group has been mapping areas of suitability for solar photovoltaic development. A local community group met for a short period to discuss issues such as county regulations, economics, and health disparities; no map is being produced by this group.
Group members are volunteers with knowledge and/or expertise of the land and subject matter. They joined the Least-Conflict Solar Siting Gateway and used the mapping platform, Data Basin, to help create the maps.
You will find tutorials for reviewing draft maps below, as well as slides that mapping group volunteer representatives used to present at the 2nd and 3rd Gatherings. All feedback and comments on the maps must be received by May 5, 2023.
How to review the models and maps – slides from April 12, 2023 Gathering
Solar industry
The goal of the solar industry mapping group is to produce a map that illustrates the relative suitability of lands for utility scale solar development based on available spatial data.
Farmland
The goal of the farmland mapping group is to produce a map that illustrates the least conflict and relative value of irrigated and dryland farming lands based on available spatial data.
Ranchland
The goal of the ranchlands mapping group is to produce a map that illustrates the least conflict and relative value of ranchlands based on available spatial data.
Environmental conservation
The goal of the environmental conservation mapping group is to produce a map that illustrates least conflict with conservation lands based on available spatial data.