April 22, 2026
Solar energy development in Arizona has expanded in recent decades — bringing both opportunities and challenges for wildlife conservation. As projects grow across the state, thoughtful site selection, design and conservation measures can minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has released its Guidelines for Solar Development in Arizona, offering practical recommendations and strategies to help avoid, minimize, and offset potential impacts. These guidelines were intended to assist solar energy proponents (for example, developers, owners, operators, biological consultants and permitting entities) in identifying and addressing potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitats from proposed projects.
For the benefit of project proponents and state agencies, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, American Clean Power Association, and the Energy and Wildlife Action Coalition have developed a Solar Communication Framework. The framework includes recommendations for communication at different stages of the development of a solar project. These recommendations are designed to facilitate the communication and coordination between the project proponent and state wildlife agency throughout the life of a solar project. Project proponents are encouraged to use this framework when coordinating with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and applying recommendations within these guidelines to their specific project. Learn more and read the Solar Energy Guidelines.