Wisland quoted on study saying cities could be ideal for utility-scale solar plants
Laura Wisland, a senior energy analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists who formerly worked for the California Public Utilities Commission to implement its renewable portfolio standard, said the study affirms the value of siting solar in developed areas where land has already been disturbed.
Building solar in those places can lower the costs and time associated with new clean energy development, she said, adding that the study can help cities and counties assess their solar energy potential.
“Ultimately, I think we should not say solar only belongs in urban areas, or solar only belongs in rural areas,” Wisland said. “We should build it where it makes environmental and economic sense, and the beauty of clean energy development, especially for solar, is many times there are great options in both types of environment.”