Solar arrays are often located near areas with contrasting uses, such as rural residential developments. While passive in operation, these installations can be perceived as eyesores if they dominate the viewshed of nearby homes. With the rise of renewable energy infrastructure across the nation, addressing the visual impact of these facilities has become increasingly important. Several strategies can mitigate these impacts, including fencing, walls, and landscaping.
Among these methods, landscaping stands out as a time-honored solution for guiding and softening views, a practice dating back hundreds of years. Traditionally, plant materials have been arranged to block or obscure undesirable sights—think of evergreen trees shielding a trash receptacle or utility box. However, solar fields, due to their sheer size, require more thoughtful and comprehensive landscape design.
Given the broad expanse of solar facilities, it’s essential to approach landscaping as an extension of the natural environment. The use of native plants becomes critical, allowing the vegetation to blend seamlessly over time, making the landscape appear more organic and less contrived. In regions like the Midwest, a combination of evergreen and deciduous species is often selected to align with the local plant palette and meet specific screening requirements.
Sustainability is also a key consideration, with native plant choices contributing to the ecosystem. Many of these species provide essential food sources for insects and birds, promoting pollination and biodiversity. When properly designed, the vegetation matures gracefully, transforming the view of the solar array into a naturalized landscape that complements the surroundings rather than detracting from them.
Landscape Viewshed Mitigation Design Process
Step One: Conceptual Plant Selection and Placement
Step Two: Design Development of Specific Species and Site Elements
Step Three: Visualization
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