Disparities in Utility-Scale Solar Facilities after Controlling for Siting Suitability Factors

Abstract

This study examines spatial inequities in the siting of utility-scale solar facilities in North Carolina from 2012 to 2023. Median housing value, distances to transmission lines, distance to roads, and solar irradiance are incorporated to generate scores and conduct matching for controlling siting suitability considerations. Logistic regression analyses indicate that the facilities are more likely to be located in Census Tracts with lower educational attainment and higher disability rates. This result may imply that the associations between socio-economic factors and utility-scale solar facilities siting remain statistically significant even after accounting for siting suitability considerations. This study offers an evidence-based planning perspective to improve solar energy deployment planning and evaluation.