Recommended Practices for the Responsible Siting and Design of Solar Development in Georgia

This document is intended to provide voluntary guidance to support consideration of natural resources during the development of photovoltaic solar in Georgia. Relevant regulatory requirements are also provided, but this guidance does not supersede any consultation or regulatory requirements. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would like to acknowledge the Georgia Utility Scale Solar Siting Initiative (USSSI) Partnership in this effort. This partnership was organized by Georgia Wildlife Federation. Development of the guidance document was coordinated by The Nature Conservancy. Additional partners include Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Power Company, Green Power EMC, National Wild Turkey Federation, The Orianne Society, Quail Forever, Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, the Turner Foundation, and others.

​View and Download Version 2.0, Released May 2024 (.pdf)

Read the Executive Summary (.pdf) 

​TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Site Selection
  • Species and Ecosystems of Conservation Concern
  • Connectivity
  • Streams and Wetlands
  • Agricultural Lands
  • Local Engagement and Cultural Resources
  • Desktop Resources
  • Summary of Site Selection Considerations

Site Design
  • Reduce Barriers to Wildlife Movement
  • Minimize Watershed Impacts
  • Provide On-Site Habitat
  • Increase Engagement with Local Communities
  • Enhance Agricultural Opportunities
  • Summary of Site Design Considerations

Site Preparation and Construction
  • Summary of Site Preparation and Construction Considerations

Maintenance and End-of-Life
  • Vegetation Management
  • Environmental Contamination
  • Site Decommissioning and Reclamation
  • Summary of Maintenance and End of Life Considerations

Focal Species of Concern
  • Reptile Species of Concern
  • Mammal Species of Concern
  • Birds of Conservation Concern
  • Plant Species of Concern
  • Pollinators and Pollinator Habitat
  • Aquatic Species of Concern
  • Conservation Measures: Seasonal Consideration for Focal Species

Summary

Additional Resources
​Georgia's Utility Scale Solar Siting Initiative - Working to develop and promote solar practices in Georgia that can reduce impacts on wildlife and conservation. Contact us at [email protected]