In recent years, solar energy has been one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the United States, with the potential to provide clean, affordable, and reliable power to communities and businesses. Many communities have gained firsthand experience in developing or permitting these projects. Through our Solar@Scale case studies, ICMA aims to share the experiences of successful projects and reflect on important lessons learned.  

ICMA is excited to release two new 2025 case studies that showcase large-scale solar development in two very different parts of the country. These new additions highlight the strategies, key drivers, and lessons learned behind successful large-scale solar projects, building on the momentum of last year’s stories. 

2025 Case Studies 

• Project Phoenix - Elevating Land Reuse with Solar Technology Innovation, Kentucky, contributed by Watershed Geo.
• Clover Creek - Accelerating the Future of Energy through Community Partnership, Utah, contributed by AES U.S. Renewables. 

2024 Case Studies 

The first installment of case studies, released in April 2024, included two examples of solar development on former landfill sites: 

• Waste Not, Want Not: Transforming Landfills into Solar Powerhouses, Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, contributed by AC Power.   
• Brownfield to Brightfield, Giving New Life to a Closed Landfill, Danville, Illinois, contributed by RACER Trust. 

These case studies offer valuable insights for local governments and other stakeholders who are interested in pursuing large-scale solar projects in their communities. They also demonstrate the diversity and creativity of solar initiatives across the United States, and the benefits they can bring in terms of economic development, environmental sustainability, and community benefits. 

To learn more about the Solar@Scale project, visit the ICMA Solar@Scale webpage and the Solar@Scale Guidebook.