Solar Land Leasing at Correctional Facilities
- Brooke Dudley
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Government agencies often face the challenge of finding innovative ways to utilize underused land at correctional facilities and prisons. Solar land leasing presents a unique opportunity to transform these idle spaces into productive assets, generating renewable energy while providing economic and environmental benefits. This resource explores how leveraging solar leasing doesn't just optimize land use, but also contributes to sustainability goals and cost savings for government operations.
Government agencies can revitalize underused land and produce revenue in the form of rent payments by leasing underused properties near prisons for clean energy projects. These agencies can leverage LandApp's platform and data to evaluate the suitability of their land for clean energy leases and advertise available properties for lease directly to high-intent developers, all at no cost. Learn more and book a call with our government team below:
Solar Land Leasing at Correctional Facilities
Correctional facilities have the unique opportunity to contribute to renewable energy initiatives by leasing their surrounding land and rooftops for solar farm installations. Many correctional facilities are situated on expansive properties with unused land, which can be repurposed to host solar panels. Additionally, the large, flat rooftops of these facilities offer ideal spaces for solar energy projects. By leasing these areas to solar energy companies, correctional facilities can generate additional revenue, reduce their carbon footprint, and help advance the shift toward sustainable energy. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it can also foster positive relationships with local communities by actively supporting renewable energy goals.
Exploring Solar Power Projects at Prisons
Several correctional facilities across the United States have successfully implemented solar energy projects on government-owned property, demonstrating the potential of utilizing underused land to produce clean energy and generate additional revenue. These innovative initiatives not only transform idle space but also contribute to broader environmental and community goals. Examples include the Maryland Correctional Institution, the Cambria County Prison, and the Connecticut Department of Corrections.
Maryland Correctional Institution
In 2012, the state of Maryland leased 160 acres of state-owned land near the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown for the development of a solar farm. Operated by First Solar Inc., the facility generates enough electricity to power 4,000 to 5,000 single-family homes. Under a 20-year power purchase agreement, FirstEnergy Solutions has committed to buying the solar farm’s 20 MW output. Over the course of the lease, First Solar will pay the state nearly $460,000 in rent, making the project a sustainable energy solution with economic benefits for Maryland.
Cambria County Prison
In May 2025, the Cambria County commissioners in Pennsylvania took significant steps to advance a solar energy initiative at the Cambria County Prison, located on county-owned property. The board approved two key letters of intent—one with Madison Energy Infrastructure, a Virginia-based company, to install net-metered solar arrays, and another with Solar Landscape, a New Jersey company, for a land-lease agreement.
The first project, in collaboration with Madison Energy Infrastructure, focuses on installing solar fields to supply power to the Cambria County Prison, courthouse, and nearby facilities. Under this agreement, the county would purchase solar-generated electricity at half the current cost of energy. Cambria County President Commissioner Scott Hunt explained, "Madison Energy is handling a net-metered project, meaning the energy produced on our property will power the prison, courthouse, and other county buildings in the Ebensburg area." Once completed, the project is expected to save the county approximately $150,000 annually.
The second initiative involves leasing about 35 acres of county land to Solar Landscape for solar array installation. Under the agreement, the county would earn nearly $10,000 per megawatt generated, creating an additional revenue stream. Hunt explained, "The second project, which is happening on the same grounds on Manor Drive near the prison, is with solar landscapes and they will be doing, we're basically, they're gonna be leasing our grounds. The energy will all go to them."
Connecticut Department of Corrections
In April 2025, Governor Ned Lamont announced the completion of seven solar energy systems at six Connecticut correctional facilities on land owned by the state. Operating 24/7, these facilities are major energy consumers, and the new systems- delivering 8.3 megawatts of clean energy- are expected to save the state over $11 million and cut carbon emissions by 5,000 metric tons annually.
The project is a collaboration between the Department of Correction, Department of Administrative Services, Connecticut Green Bank, and TotalEnergies, which will operate the systems under a power purchase agreement. Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities. Officials called the effort a win for both the environment and taxpayers.
“With our 13 facilities operating on an around the clock basis of 365 days a year, we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs,” DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros said. “The fact that we can do so by utilizing a clean energy source is an added bonus.”
“These seven projects are a win-win for the state,” according to DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman. “They will reduce our carbon footprint and save significant money for taxpayers. This has been a collaborative effort, and we look forward to building on this progress with other state agencies in the years to come.”
Additional Land Lease Options for Correctional Facilities & Government Agencies
Correctional facilities have the unique opportunity to lease their idle land for innovative purposes such as data centers, wind energy production, and battery storage installations- not just solar farms. By collaborating with private companies and renewable energy organizations, these facilities can transform underutilized properties into hubs of technological and environmental advancement. These initiatives also drive local economic development by creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and energy-related fields.
Data Centers: Leasing agency-owned land for data centers not only supports the growing demand for digital infrastructure but also creates potential revenue streams for the state. The AI boom has resulted in a need for more data centers, creating a land rush for suitable properties, with top tech companies and data center developers paying premiums for land that fits their needs.
Wind Energy: As the country moves towards renewable energy sources, wind energy is becoming increasingly popular. States with strong and consistent winds are prime locations for wind farms, which can generate significant amounts of clean electricity. Leasing land for wind turbines can provide a steady stream of income for public property owners while also contributing to the state's renewable energy goals.
Battery Storage: Leasing agency-owned land near prisons for battery storage facilities is another opportunity for prisons to use and monetize underutilized property. Battery Storage facilities only require small parcels (5-10 acres) of land, and are often placed near renewable energy facilities. promotes a shift toward renewable and sustainable energy sources, directly contributing to reducing carbon footprints.
How to Lease Government-Owned Land for Clean Energy
Government agencies that manage underused land near prisons can transform these assets into valuable opportunities by leasing them for clean energy projects or data centers. By partnering with LandApp, agencies can access a seamless, free solution for analyzing the potential of their properties. Our platform helps identify the best use cases for government-owned land and allows you to list available properties for lease to attract offers from developers interested in renewable energy or technology infrastructure. Take the first step toward optimizing your land's potential- book a call with our government team today to get started for free, or create a free listing below:
