The shape of a solar farm affects the size of the setback
Even if the area of a solar farm and the width of the setback are held constant the shape of the solar farm impacts the area required for the setback.
Shape & Setback Area
| Setback | shape | Solar Farm | Setback | |
| Area | Dimensions | Area | ||
| 100 Feet | Circle | 1,000 Acres | 3680.7 Foot Radius | 55.1 Acres |
| Square | 6,254 Ft X 6,254 Ft | 62.1 Acres | ||
| Nearly Square Rectangle | 8,000 Ft X 5,320 Ft | 63.3 Acres | ||
| Long Narrow Rectangle | 80 Ft X 532,000 Ft | 2,501.1 Acres | ||
As you can see setback around a circle requires the least amount of area. The shape of a rectangle can dramatically increase the setback area even when the size of the solar farm and setback distance is held constant.
Click here to see a detailed explanation of these calculations
