A 1 MW solar farm requires 4 to 8 acres of land. The land needed depends on the solar panel technology, climate, infrastructure, and spacing between panels. In cooler climates more land is needed to capture the same solar energy as in warmer climates. Factors like sunlight availability, panel orientation, and shading also impact efficiency and performance.
An acre of solar panels can generate 1 to 4 MW of electricity depending on optimal sun exposure angle. At 25 degrees south-facing tilt, 1 acre produces about 1 MW. Facing north at the same angle, half as much.
Most solar farms make $32,000 to $40,000 profit per installed MW per year. It takes 6 to 10 years for solar panels to pay for themselves.
Solar farm profits average $21,250 to $42,500 per acre.
A 1 MW solar power plant needs about 4 acres with crystalline tech, or 4.5 to 5 acres with thin film. A 1 watt plant requires 100,000 square feet or 2.5 acres. Total land for 1 MW, including accessories, is about 4 acres.
A 100 MW solar farm produces 80-85 MW. Solar farms sell electricity to users or the grid. Profitability depends on local electricity rates and use.