Unleashing the potential of detention basins: a multi-state assessment of photovoltaic solar feasibility in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods

This study investigates the techno-economic potential of deploying community solar in stormwater detention basins located in or near Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) households to reduce energy costs and offset environmental emissions. Focusing on communities with limited access to traditional rooftop solar due to physical, financial, or regulatory constraints, the paper analyzes the technical viability, economic feasibility, and environmental benefits of this approach across four Southcentral U.S. states: Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana. The analysis evaluates the spatial and techno-economic feasibility of community solar for both traditional households (electricity and natural gas) and all-electric households, modeling energy use and system performance under varying pricing and incentive scenarios. Results indicate that all-electric communities required smaller solar systems than traditional households, reflecting lower energy demand and evolving grid emissions trends. From a technical perspective, only communities selected in Louisiana and New Mexico had sufficient basin area to support viable systems, while those in Texas and Oklahoma faced spatial limitations. Economically, floating solar systems proved more cost-effective than carport-type systems. New Mexico's all-electric floating solar configuration achieved profitability, whereas the Louisiana case required significant incentives to break even. Environmentally, emissions reductions ranged from 103% to 214% annually, demonstrating strong potential to support residential sector decarbonization. These findings highlight community solar detention basins as a promising strategy to provide more equitable access to renewable energy, reduce residential emissions, and alleviate energy poverty. However, spatial and financial barriers necessitate tailored policy support to enable widespread adoption across diverse regional contexts.