Building Solar Success: How Community Engagement Reduces Risk and Drives Project Outcomes

As grid-scale solar development accelerates across the U.S., public opposition is one obstacle that keeps proving to be a major barrier to project success. Yes, technical hurdles like interconnection and permitting still pose significant challenges, but it’s community resistance that has become a major cause behind projects being delayed – or getting cancelled altogether. 

Recent research has shed some light on the growing impact of local pushback on renewable energy projects. A 2024 study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that approximately one-third of wind and solar siting applications submitted in the last five years were canceled, while about half experienced delays of six months or more.

Community opposition, along with restrictive local ordinances or zoning and grid interconnection, are cited as the top three causes of project cancellations for both wind and solar. 

These challenges are slightly more prevalent for solar projects and can occur at any stage – site control, permitting, or construction.

Developers are increasingly describing public resistance as “a major, major factor” and even “the biggest challenge to widespread decarbonization”.

However, the good news is that developers who invest in proactive, professional community engagement are seeing measurable benefits – including faster approvals, reduced risk, and stronger long-term relationships.

But what exactly constitutes community engagement, and why does it matter? 

The Fundamentals of Community Engagement

Community engagement entails collaborating with people connected by geographical location, interests, or shared circumstances to address issues that impact their day-to-day lives.  

When it comes to projects, particularly those tied to sustainability and the environment, community engagement involves identifying and bringing local residents, stakeholders, and organizations into the conversation – throughout various project stages, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Here’s how projects can benefit from active community engagement:

• Address Real Community Needs: Projects can be more relevant as community members express their unique challenges and priorities.

• Encourage Social Equity: Thoughtful engagement helps ensure that underrepresented voices are heard and that all groups benefit from the outcomes of the project.

• Ensure Long-Term Impact: Projects co-developed with communities tend to be more sustainable, with local support driving continued use and adaptation.

The Value of Professional Community Engagement

A 2023 research article titled “Good fences make good neighbors: Stakeholder perspectives on the local benefits and burdens of large-scale solar energy development in the United States” observed that developers who lead with transparency and collaboration consistently achieve better outcomes – not only faster approvals, but also enduring trust and support from host communities. 

Similarly, the Acadia Center has emphasized that “engagement is not a box to check.” Instead, it is a critical enabler of a just and successful energy transition. 

Projects that include communities meaningfully deliver cleaner energy, more equitable outcomes, and stronger public support, especially in tightly zoned or politically sensitive regions.

Real World Success Stories of Meaningful Community Engagement

1. Double Black Diamond Solar Farm – Illinois

The Double Black Diamond solar farm, developed by Swift Current Energy, is now the largest solar project east of the Mississippi, according to the company. The 800 MW installation has the capacity to power over 100,000 homes across Morgan and Sangamon counties in Illinois. Its success hinged on early and deliberate community engagement, including more than $10 million in community benefit funds allocated to local schools and economic development groups.

2. Tallgrass Trailblazer CO Pipeline – Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming

Though not a solar project, the Trailblazer carbon dioxide pipeline is a standout example of proactive community engagement in energy infrastructure. Tallgrass Energy developed a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) as part of its outreach strategy, ensuring investments in workforce training, local economic development, and public services. This agreement was central to gaining stakeholder trust across multiple states and minimizing resistance in rural communities.

3. New England Clean Energy Transmission – Regional U.S.

A recent Acadia Center report analyzed multiple large-scale energy infrastructure projects across New England. It found that projects that incorporated meaningful engagement early in the development process experienced shorter permitting timelines, fewer legal challenges, and stronger municipal support. Projects that failed to engage communities early were more likely to face lawsuits, delays, and cancellations – even when technically viable. As the report states, “Without local buy-in, critical clean energy projects will continue to face significant headwinds and delays, putting the region’s climate goals at risk.”

Lessons from Delayed or Canceled Projects

In contrast, some recent solar projects in Ohio were turned down by the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), citing “general opposition by local citizens and governmental bodies.” The rejections highlight just how much community opposition can impact project denials, especially when local governments back the opposition. The outcome was clear: public sentiment can carry as much weight as technical feasibility. 

Best Practices for Community Engagement

Successful engagement is not just about public meetings, it’s about building trust. Here’s what developers should consider:

• Start Early: Engage local stakeholders before submitting permits or locking in site design.
• Be Transparent: Clearly communicate project scope, timeline, and benefits – and keep the community informed.
• Offer Value: Consider benefit funds, education programs, or infrastructure investments that align with local priorities.
• Listen and Adapt: Incorporate community feedback into project decisions to show respect and responsiveness.

Final Thoughts

In today’s high-stakes energy transition, community engagement is no longer “a nice to have” – it’s strategic risk management. Projects that actively build relationships, listen to stakeholders, and share value with communities are more likely to move forward on time, on budget, and with public support. By treating engagement as a core pillar of project development, solar developers can protect investments, accelerate timelines, and create a positive legacy in the places they operate.