Making the most of the sun's power

Solar panels are being seen more and more on residential rooftops. Large-scale installations of solar panels – often referred to as solar farms – are becoming more familiar too, especially when traveling through landscapes that receive extra sun.

With an increase in solar installations, whether residential or on a larger scale, solar power is becoming a more prominent feature of the modern energy supply. At Reliant, we're here to help you learn more about solar farms and their benefits for communities in Texas and beyond.

What is a solar farm?

A solar farm is a large series or array of solar panels arranged in one location. It is designed to maximize solar energy generation very efficiently. Panels are typically spread over acres of land, strategically located where they’ll receive the best sunlight exposure.

Solar-panel arrays, whether small or industrial-scale, can be grouped into different categories according to their size.

• Rooftop solar panels typically generate solar energy for a single home or smaller-scale structures.

• Solar gardens have more panels. They can serve groups of homes or businesses in an urban or suburban setting.

• Community solar farms are larger in scale. They may not reaily fit in an urban setting, but they can provide electricity for a larger group of homes and businesses.
  
  
• Very large solar arrays can generate power on the utility- or industrial-grade level

How energy is generated at solar farms

In both residential and larger-scale applications, solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) systems, are the heart of solar energy generation. These panels convert sunlight into electricity that can power your home. Here's a simple breakdown of how it works:

• Each solar panel is equipped with photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells absorb sunlight, creating an environment where energy can be harnessed.

• When the PV cells absorb sunlight, they generate direct current (DC) electricity. This is the initial step in transforming radiant energy into a form you use in your home.

• Before this electricity can power your home, it must be converted from DC to alternating current (AC) electricity. This is where an inverter comes into play, ensuring that the electricity is in the right form to meet your needs.

• Once converted, this electricity is ready to use. It can power everything from your lights to your refrigerator.

Texas is home to multiple large-scale solar farms

As of 2023, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 9,469 solar-powered, electric-generating projects were completed in Texas.

In Texas and beyond, solar farms are renewable-energy workhorses. They exemplify how energy technology can lead to environmental preservation.

A closer look at the types of solar farms

Community solar farms: powering neighborhoods together

Imagine a large, open field with rows of gleaming solar panels. This is a community solar farm, a shared resource that allows multiple households and businesses to benefit from a single, large-scale solar installation. Participating in a solar farm means you don't need to have solar panels on your roof to enjoy the benefits. Instead, you can subscribe to a portion of the energy produced and receive credits on your electricity bill. It's a way for renters or those without suitable rooftops to still participate in and benefit from solar energy. Community solar farms are designed to make going solar more accessible to everyone.

Solar gardens: powering a small community

Solar gardens are much like community solar farms. They’re simply a smaller version, suitable for placement in urban or suburban areas. Members of a community can buy or lease a part of a solar garden and, like community solar farms, receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. Solar gardens have solar energy generation for a primary purpose, but they can also foster a sense of connection among participants.

Utility-scale solar power 

Utility-scale solar power refers to large-scale solar installations designed to generate electricity on a massive scale. Unlike the solar projects described above, these installations are often spread across vast areas of land, harnessing the sun's power to produce energy sufficient to supply thousands of homes and businesses. These projects can range from tens to hundreds of megawatts in capacity. Generating and adding that amount of energy to the grid can make a significant impact on energy security and diversity of sources.

Innovations helping to advance solar farms

The solar energy sector is always advancing, promising to make solar power more efficient and accessible, as well as playing an important role in scaling up output. These are some of the innovations that are ushering in the next wave of solar generation.

Perovskite solar cells

Perovskites are a class of materials that have shown great potential in creating highly efficient and cost-effective solar cells. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, perovskite solar cells can be produced at lower temperatures and can be applied to flexible surfaces, opening up new possibilities for integration into windows, vehicles and even wearable technology. Their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity has rapidly increased.

Floating solar farms 

Floating solar farms, or "floatovoltaics," show potential to overcome land use challenges associated with traditional solar farms. By installing solar panels on structures floating on lakes, reservoirs and other bodies of water, this technology maximizes unused space and reduces water evaporation. The cooling effect of the water can also improve panel efficiency. Floating solar farms look like a good solution for regions where land is scarce but there is an abundance of water bodies.

Solar skins

Solar skins are a technology that uses selective light filtration to display custom designs on the surface of solar panels, making them blend seamlessly with roofing materials or showcasing artistic designs. Solar skins open up new avenues for aesthetic beauty in solar panels that appear on buildings and homes, addressing a common concern about the visual look of traditional panels.

Bifacial solar panels

Bifacial solar panels are designed to capture sunlight from both sides, significantly increasing their energy generation capacity compared to traditional single-faced panels. Bifacial panels can catch sunlight that is reflected off the ground or surrounding surfaces, potentially producing more electricity in the same footprint. This technology is particularly beneficial in snowy environments.

Solar energy storage innovations 

Advancements in energy storage are critical to overcoming the intermittent nature of solar power. Recent innovations in battery technology offer higher energy density, longer lifespans and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

How to find a solar farm near you

There are some readily available ways to start seeking out available solar installations.

• Conduct online research – Start with a simple online search using terms like “solar farms near me,” “community solar projects,” or “local solar energy farms.” This can quickly provide you with a list of area solar farms. 

• Explore government and non-profit resources – Government energy departments and non-profit organizations focused on renewable energy can be valuable resources, often providing databases or lists of solar projects in your state or region. One example is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, at its SolarPACES website.

• Use social media and forums – Social media platforms and online forums can be great places to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.

• Attend renewable energy events – Keep an eye out for renewable energy fairs, exhibitions or seminars happening in your area. 

Frequently asked questions about solar farms

How much land is needed for a solar farm? 

The amount of land needed for a solar farm depends on the capacity of the farm. On average, a 1 megawatt (MW) solar farm requires approximately 4 to 7 acres of land. However, this can vary based on the efficiency of the solar panels used and the geographical location of the farm.

How long does it take to build a solar farm?

The construction timeline for a solar farm can vary widely depending on the project's size and complexity. Smaller solar farms can be built in a few months, while larger projects might take a year or more from planning to completion.

What are the benefits of solar farms?

Solar farm benefits include the generation of clean, renewable energy, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a decrease in dependence on fossil fuels. They can also provide economic benefits to local communities through job creation and increased tax revenue.

Do solar farms require a lot of maintenance?

Solar farms require relatively low maintenance compared to other types of power plants. Regular tasks include cleaning the solar panels to ensure maximum efficiency and inspecting the equipment for any needed repairs or replacements.

Can solar farms store energy for use at night?

Solar farms can be paired with energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. This enhances the reliability and flexibility of solar energy.

Discover renewable energy plans and solar solutions from Reliant

Our solar energy plans and renewable choices are designed to harness the power of radiant energy, providing you with clean, sustainable power options that fit your lifestyle.

You can earn unlimited buyback credits for excess electricity exported to the grid with the Reliant Solar Payback Plus or Reliant Solar Payback Match plan.

If you're looking for renewable options without rooftop solar panels, learn more about our 100% Solar plan or the Make It Solar program. They're ideal choices whether you own or rent.