Texas is the #2 solar state in the nation with over 20 GW of installed capacity and billions more in development. For developers looking to build utility-scale solar projects, Texas offers abundant sunshine, available land, and a business-friendly regulatory environment.
This guide covers the complete solar farm development process, from initial site selection through commercial operation, with specific focus on Texas requirements, timelines, and costs.
📋 In This Guide
Solar Farm Development Timeline
Site Selection & Feasibility
Identify suitable land with solar resource potential, grid proximity, and favorable terrain. Conduct desktop feasibility studies including irradiance analysis, interconnection assessment, and preliminary cost estimates.
Land Acquisition
Secure land through purchase or lease agreements. Negotiate terms with landowners, conduct title searches, and secure option agreements while completing due diligence.
Environmental & Permitting
Complete environmental assessments, obtain necessary permits, and secure zoning approvals. This includes NEPA review if required, wetland delineation, and cultural resource surveys.
ERCOT Interconnection
Submit interconnection request to ERCOT, complete system impact studies, and negotiate interconnection agreement. This is often the longest phase due to queue congestion.
Site Preparation & Construction
Clear and grade the site, install access roads and fencing, construct stormwater systems, and prepare foundations. This phase typically takes 6-12 months.
Equipment Installation
Install solar panels, inverters, tracker systems, and electrical infrastructure. Connect to the grid and complete final commissioning and testing.
⏱️ Total Timeline: 3-5 Years
The ERCOT interconnection queue is currently the longest phase, often taking 2-3 years due to high demand. Early site selection and interconnection application are critical to reducing overall development time.
Site Selection Criteria
✅ Ideal Site Characteristics
- • Solar Resource: 5.5+ kWh/m²/day
- • Terrain: Flat to gently sloping (<5%)
- • Grid: Within 2-5 miles of transmission
- • Size: 200+ acres contiguous
- • Access: Road access for construction
- • Zoning: Agricultural or industrial
❌ Site Disqualifiers
- • FEMA flood zones
- • Protected wetlands
- • Endangered species habitat
- • Airport flight paths
- • Historic/cultural sites
- • Constrained grid areas
🗺️ Best Regions in Texas for Solar Development
West Texas
Highest irradiance, abundant land, ERCOT West zone
South Texas
Strong solar resource, growing demand, transmission availability
Central Texas
Near load centers, moderate land costs, established grid
Solar Farm Development Costs
💰 Typical Development Costs (2026)
| Cost Category | Per MW | 100 MW Project |
|---|---|---|
| Land Acquisition/Lease | $20,000-$50,000 | $2-5M |
| Permitting & Engineering | $30,000-$60,000 | $3-6M |
| Site Preparation | $50,000-$100,000 | $5-10M |
| Solar Modules | $300,000-$400,000 | $30-40M |
| Balance of System | $200,000-$300,000 | $20-30M |
| Interconnection | $100,000-$300,000 | $10-30M |
| Total | $800K-$1.5M | $80-150M |
Texas Solar Farm Permits & Approvals
🏛️ Local Permits
- • Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or Special Use Permit
- • Building permits for structures
- • Electrical permits
- • Road access permits
🌿 Environmental Permits
- • TCEQ Stormwater Permit (SWPPP)
- • Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit (if wetlands)
- • USFWS Consultation (if endangered species)
- • Cultural resources survey clearance
✈️ FAA Clearance
- • Required within 20,000 feet of airports
- • Glare analysis may be required
- • Determination of No Hazard needed
ERCOT Interconnection Process
⚡ ERCOT Queue Process
⚠️ Queue Congestion Warning
ERCOT's interconnection queue currently has 200+ GW of projects waiting for approval. New applications may face 2-4 year wait times. Early application and site selection near areas with available capacity is critical for faster development.
Solar Farm Site Preparation
Professional site preparation is critical for solar farm success. Proper clearing, grading, and drainage ensure efficient construction, long-term reliability, and regulatory compliance.
🌿 Vegetation Clearing
- • Complete brush and tree removal
- • Forestry mulching (preferred method)
- • Stump grinding and root removal
- • Invasive species management
📐 Grading & Earthwork
- • Site leveling and grading
- • Cut and fill operations
- • Tracker foundation preparation
- • Equipment pad construction
🛤️ Access & Infrastructure
- • Access road construction
- • Internal roads for O&M
- • Perimeter fencing
- • Gate and security systems
🌊 Stormwater Management
- • Drainage system installation
- • Detention/retention ponds
- • Erosion control measures
- • SWPPP implementation
🤝 Bear Claw Solar Site Services
Bear Claw provides comprehensive site preparation for solar developers across Texas:
- ✓ Large-scale vegetation clearing (500+ acres)
- ✓ Forestry mulching for eco-friendly clearing
- ✓ Access road construction
- ✓ Experience with utility-scale solar projects
- ✓ Fast-track timelines for development schedules
Developing a Solar Farm in Texas?
Bear Claw provides professional site preparation for solar developers. From initial clearing to construction-ready sites, we have the equipment and experience to keep your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to develop a solar farm in Texas?
Solar farm development costs range from $800,000 to $1.5 million per MW in Texas, depending on location, land costs, and interconnection expenses. A 100 MW utility-scale project typically costs $80-150 million total, including land acquisition, permitting, construction, and grid connection.
How long does it take to develop a solar farm?
From initial site selection to commercial operation typically takes 3-5 years. Key phases include: site selection and land acquisition (6-12 months), permitting and environmental review (12-18 months), interconnection queue (12-36 months), and construction (6-12 months).
What permits are needed for a solar farm in Texas?
Texas solar farms typically require: county/city conditional use permits, building permits, electrical permits, TCEQ stormwater permits (SWPPP), FAA determination (if near airports), ERCOT interconnection agreement, and potentially wetland permits from Army Corps of Engineers.
How much land is needed for a utility-scale solar farm?
Utility-scale solar farms require approximately 5-7 acres per MW. A 50 MW project needs 250-350 acres, while a 100 MW project requires 500-700 acres. Additional land may be needed for substations, access roads, and buffer zones.
What is the ERCOT interconnection process for solar farms?
ERCOT interconnection involves submitting an interconnection request, completing system impact and facilities studies (12-24+ months), signing an interconnection agreement, constructing gen-tie lines, and completing final commissioning. Queue times have increased significantly due to high demand.
What site preparation is required for solar farm construction?
Site preparation includes: vegetation clearing and grubbing, grading and leveling, access road construction, stormwater management installation, perimeter fencing, and foundation preparation for tracker systems. Professional land clearing is essential for efficient construction.