Land Use for Photovoltaic Systems
- Utility-scale PV systems typically require about 4.2 to 6.1 acres per megawatt (MW) of installed capacity, depending on the specific technology used (such as fixed-tilt or tracking systems).
- More comprehensive studies show that solar power plants have capacity-weighted land use averages of around 8.9 acres per MW (total area including buffers) and about 7.3 acres per MW for direct panel area alone.
- This translates roughly to 3.6 acres of land used per gigawatt-hour per year (GWh/yr) when considering energy produced, demonstrating a moderate energy density for solar power generation.
- The amount of land needed can vary based on technology efficiency, site characteristics, and system components like energy storage.
- A conservative general estimate widely cited is about 10 acres per MW for solar PV systems.
Land Use for Fossil Fuel-Based Power Plants
- Fossil fuel power plants (coal, natural gas, oil) typically have much higher energy densities and thus require significantly less land per unit of power capacity or energy generated than solar PV.
- While exact numbers vary depending on the plant type, site layout, and fuel cycle, fossil fuel plants generally use less land area directly for the plant footprint.
- However, fossil fuel plants involve additional land impacts not only on the plant site but also from fuel extraction (mining, drilling), transportation, and waste disposal, which can greatly increase the overall land footprint indirectly.
Comparative Summary
| Aspect | Photovoltaic Systems | Fossil Fuel Power Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Land use per MW | ~4.2–10 acres/MW | Generally much lower per MW |
| Land use per GWh/yr | ~3.5–3.6 acres/GWh/yr | Lower direct plant footprint |
| Energy density | Moderate (due to diffuse solar resource) | High (more compact energy generation) |
| Indirect land use impacts | Mostly site-based | High additional land use for fuel extraction and waste |
| Site considerations | Need for open, suitable land; proximity to grid | Smaller footprint, located near existing infrastructure |
In conclusion, photovoltaic solar power requires more land per unit of installed capacity compared to fossil fuel-based power plants for the power plant site itself. However, fossil fuel energy involves significant additional land use related to its entire fuel supply chain and environmental impacts. This makes direct land use comparisons nuanced, but solar PV plants tend to have a visibly larger footprint on the site where they are installed.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-land-use-required-for-photovoltaic-systems-compare-to-that-needed-for-fossil-fuel-based-power-plants/
