Taking solar energy into account during city planning (and infrastructural planning more widely) can maximize the usefulness of this clean energy source, and simplify a solar energy rollout.

In this case, integrated planning involves prioritizing the installation of solar panels in areas that get a lot of sunlight, and limiting adverse social and ecological impacts. Such areas often include rooftops, parking lots, and other underused urban spaces. Integrated planning might also involve taking building design, energy efficiency, and the placement and development of grid (or ‘microgrid’) infrastructure into account, to ensure that solar energy can be effectively integrated at scale. This approach has the advantage of reducing greenhouse gasses and improving urban air quality, but also creating new jobs, stimulating local economies while saving money, and making cities more resilient in the face of environmental disasters.

Integrating solar requires careful, holistic planning, involving many parties, which relevant authorities and companies aren’t always prepared for. It should always be done in consultation with energy experts to ensure panels are installed and connected effectively.

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• Solar City? Turning Buildings Into Power Plants (Forbes)

• Incorporating alternative energy into urban planning (Alt Energy Mag)

• Rapidly scale up zero-carbon electricity generation (Systems Change Lab)

• Install solar panels on your home or business if feasible.

• Encourage your company to hire a sustainability manager that can recommend actionable steps to integrate sustainability into your business.

• Work with local governments and community organizations to identify and prioritize suitable areas for solar installations.