Overview
Utah has become an increasingly significant market for solar energy and other renewable energy resources due to its abundant sunlight, available land resources, and continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
As of the second quarter of 2025, Utah ranked among the top states in the nation for installed solar energy capacity according to data published by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Utah’s strong solar potential is supported by its high number of sunny days, high solar irradiance levels, and large areas of flat, open land suitable for solar photovoltaic (PV) development.
Utah has also experienced significant growth in new solar capacity additions, including large-scale projects such as the 400-megawatt Green River Energy Center in Emery County, which includes a paired battery storage component. These types of utility-scale projects demonstrate the continued expansion of renewable energy infrastructure throughout the State.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy resources account for a growing portion of Utah’s electricity generation, with solar energy representing the largest renewable energy source by electricity generation within the State.
The Utah Office of Energy Development highlights Utah’s natural advantages for solar development: “The State of Utah boasts an abundance of sunlight that makes it an ideal locale for solar energy production due to an above-average number of sunny days per year as well as numerous cool, dry, flat areas that are conducive to solar electricity generation.”
Utah’s commitment to renewable energy development is reflected through a combination of state policies, energy initiatives, and land use planning considerations. Local governments play an important role in balancing renewable energy opportunities with community goals, property rights, environmental considerations, and responsible land management.
These considerations are addressed, in part, through Utah’s County and Municipal Land Use, Development, and Management Acts found in §10-20/§17-79 of Utah State Code (as amended), which establish the framework for local land use authority, including the regulation of renewable energy facilities and related development.
Content Contributors: Jones and DeMille Engineering, Inc, Hansen Planning Group, LLC / Rural Community Consultants
Special Note: This material was developed by civiclinQ for the Land Use Academy of Utah (LUAU). Funding for the development of this material was provided by through the Land Use Training Fund, which is administered by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman , utilizing a portion of the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
The role of this organization in administering funding is primarily administrative and should not be viewed as legal advice. Always consult your legal representative when addressing land use activities.
Use the ‘Materials’ tab above to view related course materials, including printable pass-along card and PDF version of this online course.
