Brownfields to Greenfields: the Department of Energy's 'Brightfields' Initiative

According to the DOE, Brightfields is a revolutionary concept that addresses three of the nation's biggest challenges—urban revitalization, toxic waste cleanup, and climate change. By bringing pollution-free solar energy and high-tech solar manufacturing jobs to brownfields, the Brightfields approach offers the opportunity to link the production of solar energy to the redevelopment of brownfields, transforming community hazards and eyesores into productive, ‘green’ ventures.

Solar energy technologies, and photovoltaic systems in particular, are well-suited to application on brownfields sites. They require very little maintenance and can stand directly on the ground without penetrating the surface or disturbing any existing contamination. The systems can be installed to function on or off the local power grid, depending upon the needs of the site and existing infrastructure.

Each brightfield, like each brownfield, will vary in how a solar energy system is used - power generation, solar manufacturing, solar lighting - according to the size of the site, redevelopment plans, and market conditions, among other factors.

There are multiple economic, job creation and environmental benefits for the community and the brownfield property owner in transforming brownfields with solar energy: But there is a cost. To partake in this nationwide opportunity, the solar industry needs to know how to speak the language and articulate these benefits in a compelling way.