SOLAR ECOLOGIES: Modeling a Framework for Community Scale Solar and Land Restoration

The Solar Ecologies project presents a novel design-research approach to integrating community solar infrastructure with green infrastructure strategies in urbanized commercial corridors, specifically along the I-29 corridor in Charlottesville, Virginia. At the heart of the innovation is a performance-driven methodology that models the co-benefits of pairing solar energy systems with ecological functions such as stormwater management, urban cooling, and habitat support on underutilized commercial land.

The project aims to create a replicable framework for transforming impervious urban spaces into hybrid energy-ecological systems, addressing environmental degradation while enhancing energy equity and local resilience.

The research incorporates spatial design, hydrological modeling, and stakeholder engagement, culminating in a testbed site, roundtable event, and white paper. Its long-term goal is to build regional expertise and partnerships that position the initiative for large-scale external funding and scalable policy impact.