Solar has minimal impact on NC farmland, new study shows

A study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) finds solar projects in North Carolina occupy 0.24% of prime farmland, less than suburban development (0.87%) and golf courses (0.28%). Nationally, solar uses 0.04% of U.S. land, with California having the highest overlap at 0.43%. The study refutes claims that solar is displacing agriculture, noting projects prioritize grid proximity over farmland.