Scattered across the American landscape are the remains of once-thriving communities—weathered buildings, abandoned streets, and silent storefronts that whisper tales of prosperity long past. These ghost towns, left behind when industries collapsed or resources ran dry, stand as monuments to boom-and-bust economies that prioritized extraction over sustainability. From the gold rush towns of California to coal mining communities in Appalachia, these places share a common story: when the resource that sustained them disappeared, so did their reason for existence.
The 21st century has ushered in a transformation in how we generate and consume energy. As climate change concerns accelerate and fossil fuel costs fluctuate, the renewable energy revolution has gained momentum. Solar power, once considered an expensive alternative, has become one of the most affordable energy sources available today. This transition changes our power grid and reshapes communities, creating opportunities in unexpected places.
Ghost towns, with their abandoned infrastructure, available land, and often ideal sun exposure, are emerging as beneficiaries of the solar boom. Where mines once extracted finite resources, solar arrays now harvest endless sunshine. Former industrial sites are finding new purpose as solar farms, bringing sustainable economic activity back to forgotten communities. Unlike the extractive industries that created and later abandoned these towns, solar energy offers a regenerative economic model that could provide stability for generations.
This article explores how solar energy is breathing new life into ghost towns across America. We’ll examine the advantages these abandoned places offer for solar development, highlight success stories where solar has revitalized communities, address the challenges of building renewable infrastructure in remote locations, and consider what this trend means for the future of rural America.
How Does Solar Energy Revive Ghost Towns?
Ghost towns and solar energy might seem like an unlikely pairing, but this combination is remarkably effective at creating new life in abandoned communities. Solar installations provide a sustainable foundation that addresses many of the issues that caused these towns to decline in the first place. Unlike the industries that once defined these communities, solar development offers long-term stability without depleting resources.
The Redevelopment Process
The revival process begins with land acquisition and development. Solar developers are attracted to ghost towns for their affordable land prices, existing infrastructure, and often ideal solar exposure. A solar farm requires space—approximately 5-10 acres per megawatt of capacity—and many ghost towns have abundant vacant land available. Once a project is approved, the transformation starts with site preparation, followed by construction of the solar array, and grid connection, creating immediate economic activity in dormant areas.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The numbers tell an interesting story about solar’s impact on rural economies. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, each megawatt of solar capacity creates approximately 3.3 jobs during construction and 0.2-0.4 permanent jobs during operation. For a modest 100-megawatt solar farm, that translates to over 300 construction jobs and 20-40 long-term positions—large numbers for small communities. Solar projects generate tax revenue; a usual utility-scale solar project can contribute $250,000-$500,000 annually to local tax coffers, funding schools, infrastructure, and essential services that make communities livable again.
The Ripple Effect on Local Economies
Beyond direct employment, solar development creates ripple effects throughout local economies. Construction crews need places to eat, sleep, and purchase supplies. Maintenance teams require local services. The improved infrastructure necessary for solar operations—upgraded roads, power lines, and internet connectivity—benefits the entire community and makes it more attractive for investment. In many cases, solar projects have served as catalysts for broader economic revivals, with new businesses moving in to serve the growing population.
Environmental Restoration
The environmental benefits of solar revitalization go beyond clean energy production. By repurposing land in ghost towns, developers remediate contaminated sites left behind by industrial activities. Solar installations require minimal water use—a stark contrast to many traditional power plants—which is valuable in arid regions where many Western ghost towns are located. The emissions-free electricity generated helps reduce regional air pollution and contributes to climate change reduction efforts.
Sustainable Future-Proofing
Solar development offers ghost towns something they’ve lacked since their decline: a sustainable future. Unlike coal, gold, or other finite resources that supported these communities, sunshine isn’t depleted when harvested. Solar farms have operational lifespans of 25-40 years, providing decades of stable employment and tax revenue. When panels eventually need replacement, the infrastructure remains in place for continued operation, avoiding the devastating boom-bust cycles that created ghost towns in the first place.
The Rise and Fall of Ghost Towns
The American landscape is dotted with abandoned settlements, each with its own history. Mining towns represent the most iconic ghost towns, springing up virtually overnight during the gold rushes of California (1848-1855), Colorado (1858-1859), and the Black Hills of South Dakota (1874-1878). Towns like Bodie, California, once home to 10,000 people, emerged from nothing when gold was discovered and disappeared almost as quickly when the veins ran dry. Silver mining created similar boom-towns across Nevada and Arizona, with Virginia City once hosting 15,000 residents before declining to just a few hundred today.
Railroad towns tell another chapter in the ghost town story. As railroads expanded westward in the late 19th century, service communities emerged at regular intervals along the tracks. These towns provided water, fuel, and maintenance for steam engines, as well as rest stops for passengers. When diesel locomotives replaced steam in the mid-20th century, these service stops became unnecessary, and towns like Thurmond, West Virginia, which once bustled with railway activity, fell silent.
Industrial ghost towns often revolve around a single economic activity. Lumber towns flourished during harvest and disappeared when forests were depleted. Coal towns across Appalachia boomed during the early 20th century but contracted dramatically as mining mechanized and coal demand declined. Auto manufacturing cities like Detroit, while not completely abandoned, have experienced population loss and neighborhood abandonment as production shifted overseas.
The Abandonment Cycle
Most ghost towns share common abandonment patterns centered around economic collapse. Resource depletion is the most straightforward cause—when the gold, silver, or coal that supported the town runs out, the economic rationale for the community disappears. Market shifts can be equally devastating; when petroleum replaced whale oil in the 1850s, many whaling communities along the East Coast faced severe decline.
Technological change has rendered many communities obsolete. Railroad towns became unnecessary with more efficient engines, canal towns faded when railroads arrived, and manufacturing towns struggled when automation reduced workforce needs. Natural disasters have also played a role, with towns like Centralia, Pennsylvania, abandoned due to an underground coal fire that has burned since 1962.
Policy decisions have condemned other communities. When the Interstate Highway System bypassed Route 66 towns in the 1960s, many became shells of their former selves. Military base closures have devastated dependent communities, and the rural electrification gap left many remote settlements unable to compete in an electrified economy.
America’s Ghost Town Landscape Today
The Census Bureau estimates that over 3,800 towns have been abandoned in the United States since 1940. These range from complete ghost towns where no residents remain to “living ghost towns” that maintain small populations but have lost most of their economic activity. The West has the highest concentration, with Nevada alone home to over 600 ghost towns. The Rust Belt contains numerous semi-abandoned industrial areas, while Appalachia features hundreds of coal towns with dwindling populations.
Some ghost towns have found new purposes as tourist attractions, with Bodie, California, and Rhyolite, Nevada, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Others, like Thurmond, West Virginia, have been partially preserved within national parks. Most remain truly abandoned, with deteriorating structures reclaimed by nature, serving as eerie reminders of prosperity lost.
Problems and Possibilities
Ghost towns face revitalization challenges. Infrastructure decay is one of the biggest hurdles; water systems, electrical grids, and roads require complete reconstruction after decades of neglect. Environmental contamination complicates redevelopment, with abandoned mines leaching heavy metals and old industrial sites harboring toxic chemicals. Remoteness poses another obstacle—many ghost towns were established in locations that made sense for resource extraction but are inconvenient for modern living.
Despite these challenges, ghost towns offer opportunities. Land and property costs are a fraction of those in developed areas, making large-scale projects more financially feasible. Existing rights-of-way for utilities, railways, and roads provide valuable infrastructure foundations. Historic structures, when salvageable, offer authentic character that new developments can’t replicate. Many ghost towns even have existing water rights—incredibly valuable assets in the West.
Ghost towns have a chance to rebuild communities with sustainability at their core rather than as an afterthought. With fewer entrenched interests and regulatory hurdles than established cities, these forgotten places can become laboratories for innovative approaches to energy, housing, and community design. As the solar revolution gains momentum, these abandoned settlements may find themselves at the forefront of America’s sustainable future rather than relics of its extractive past.
The Solar Revolution and Rural Development
In a decade, solar energy has changed from an expensive alternative to one of America’s fastest-growing energy sources. The numbers tell a fascinating story:
- Total installed solar capacity grew 40× between 2010 and 2023
- Solar costs have dropped by over 70% in the same period
- Solar now employs more than 255,000 Americans—more than the entire coal industry
- The industry is projected to triple in size by 2030, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association
This growth shows no signs of slowing. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act expanded federal tax credits for solar development, providing incentives for the next decade. With climate concerns mounting and renewable energy costs falling, rural America—including its ghost towns—could benefit tremendously from this energy transition.
Why Ghost Towns Make Perfect Solar Locations
Remote and rural locations offer advantages for solar development that make ghost towns attractive candidates for solar. The perfect solar development site combines ample sunshine, flat terrain, existing grid connections, and community support. Many ghost towns check all these boxes, and they offer affordable land prices that make projects more financially possible.
Ghost towns feature large tracts of undeveloped or abandoned land at prices below those in urban areas. Many were established in sun-belt regions with the high solar irradiance essential for maximum energy production. Their previous industrial uses means they already possess valuable infrastructure like substations and transmission lines—expensive components that new developments have to build from scratch.
The layouts of many ghost towns prepared them for solar revitalization. Railroad towns with their linear development patterns and industrial sites with large footprints provide ideal configurations for solar arrays, which require large amounts of contiguous space.
Breaking the Boom-Bust Cycle: Solar vs. Extractive Industries
| Extractive Industries | Solar Development |
| Deplete finite resources | Harvest renewable energy |
| High environmental impact | Minimal environmental footprint |
| Boom-and-bust economics | Stable, predictable revenue |
| Short-term, high-intensity jobs | Long-term maintenance positions |
| Leave environmental liabilities | Can remediate previous damage |
Unlike the mining and timber industries that created many ghost towns, solar energy harvests a renewable resource. The sun will rise tomorrow regardless of how much energy was collected today. This difference creates a sustainable foundation that can support communities for generations rather than years or decades.
Solar installations also have predictable operational lifespans of 25-40 years, with equipment that can be recycled and replaced to extend project life indefinitely. This predictability allows communities to plan for the long term rather than living with the uncertainty that characterized mining and other extractive industries.
For ghost towns, solar development can jumpstart economic revival. The infrastructure improvements required for solar projects—upgraded roads, restored power lines, improved internet connectivity—benefit the entire community and make it more attractive for other businesses and residents.
Solar-Powered Revivals
Tonopah, Nevada
Once a booming silver mining town with 50,000 residents at its peak in the early 1900s, Tonopah, Nevada had dwindled to fewer than 2,500 people by 2010. The town’s fortunes began to change in 2015 when SolarReserve built the 110-megawatt Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Facility just outside town. This solar power plant created over 750 construction jobs during the 3-year build phase and established 45 permanent positions for operations and maintenance.
While the plant faced technical challenges and underwent ownership changes, its impact on Tonopah has been significant. The town’s population has grown by almost 10% since the project’s inception, and median home values increased from $90,000 to over $140,000 between 2015 and 2022, according to county assessment records.
The solar project put Tonopah back on the map. There have been new restaurants opening, the and there’s a sense of optimism that hasn’t been seen in decades. People are moving there by choice, not just because they have family ties.
Delta, Colorado
When the Elk Creek coal mine closed in 2013, Delta County, Colorado lost hundreds of jobs and faced an uncertain future. The region began its renewable revival in 2018 when Guzman Energy developed a 80-megawatt solar array on former agricultural land near Delta. The project generated 350 construction jobs, many filled by former coal miners who received solar installation training through a Department of Labor transition program.
The solar array now provides power to 18,000 homes and generates approximately $14 million in property tax revenue over its lifetime. While Delta hasn’t fully recovered from the mine closure—its population has stabilized rather than grown dramatically—the project helped prevent further decline by diversifying the county’s economic base.
Benson, Arizona
Benson, Arizona was established as a Southern Pacific Railroad town in 1880, but gradually declined as rail activity diminished throughout the 20th century. In 2011, the town began its solar transformation when Solon Corporation built a 5-megawatt solar project that powers the local water treatment facilities. This initial project was followed by several larger installations, including a 20-megawatt Constellation Energy development in 2015.
These projects injected over $30 million in capital investment into the community and created approximately 200 construction jobs. More importantly, they established Benson as a solar-friendly community, attracting more renewable energy development. The town’s population has grown by 7% since 2010, bucking the trend of rural population decline seen in many similar communities.
Solar development provided immediate and long-term benefits. The construction phase brought an influx of workers who supported local businesses, and the ongoing tax revenue helps to fund essential services while keeping rates lower for residents.
Delamar, Nevada
One of the most dramatic solar-powered revivals is happening in Delamar, Nevada, which had been completely abandoned since the 1940s after its gold mines closed. In 2021, Galaxy Renewables began construction on the Townsite Solar Project, a 232-megawatt solar array with 500 MW of battery storage. The project is being built directly on the site of the former ghost town, utilizing the disturbed land from previous mining operations.
The project created over 300 construction jobs and will provide 25 permanent positions for operations and maintenance. While Delamar isn’t likely to return to its status as a traditional town—the site remains too remote for significant residential development—it has reemerged as a productive economic node after decades of abandonment.
Eagle Pass, Texas
Eagle Pass, Texas experienced economic decline after manufacturing jobs moved across the border to Mexico in the 1990s and 2000s. Large sections of the town became abandoned as population decreased. Starting in 2018, the community began a solar-powered comeback with the development of several solar projects, including the 255-MW Maverick Creek Wind Farm and multiple solar installations totaling over 180 MW of capacity.
These renewable energy projects generated over $300 million in capital investment and created 400 construction jobs. Property values in areas near the developments have increased by an average of 15%, according to county records, and the town’s population has grown by approximately 3% since the projects began.
These examples demonstrate that solar energy can indeed breathe new life into abandoned or declining communities. While not every ghost town has the right conditions for solar revival—factors like proximity to transmission lines, solar resource quality, and local policy support all matter—those with the right combination of attributes have found that renewable energy can provide the stable economic foundation that extractive industries never could.
Challenges and Considerations
The path to solar revival isn’t without obstacles. Many ghost towns lack basic infrastructure:
- Degraded or non-existent power lines
- Limited road access
- Insufficient water supplies for construction
- Absent telecommunications
Successful projects phase development, starting with infrastructure rehabilitation. Federal programs like USDA’s Rural Development grants and the Department of Energy’s Rural and Municipal Energy Program provide funding for these improvements before construction begins.
GOLDFIELD, NEVADA
When developers proposed a 50MW solar array near Goldfield, they discovered the existing substation couldn’t handle the capacity. Rather than abandoning the project, they partnered with the local utility to upgrade the substation, benefiting the solar project and improving reliability for existing residents.
Community Models
Solar revivals take various forms:
- Corporate Development – Traditional utility-scale projects developed by energy companies
- Community Solar – Shared projects where locals can subscribe to receive credits
- Municipal Ownership – Town-owned solar assets providing revenue for public services
- Co-operative Models – Resident-owned installations with democratic governance
The most successful ghost town revivals combine approaches, ensuring external investment and local control. Community benefit agreements have become standard practice, guaranteeing local hiring quotas, infrastructure improvements, and revenue sharing.
Preserving History While Building the Future
| Preservation Approach | Applications | Benefits |
| Adaptive reuse | Converting historic buildings to solar support facilities | Maintains character while creating functional spaces |
| Buffer zones | Establishing visual separation between historic sites and solar arrays | Protects viewsheds and historic integrity |
| Interpretive elements | Incorporating educational displays about town history within solar developments | Connects past and present for visitors |
Solar developers recognize that historic preservation enhances project value rather than hindering it. Towns like Madrid, New Mexico have successfully marketed themselves as historic destinations and sustainable communities, drawing more visitors than either aspect alone.
Making Solar Revival Financially Viable
Solar ghost town revitalization typically leverages multiple funding sources:
- Federal Tax Credits – The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% credit for solar projects through 2032
- State Incentives – Many states offer additional credits, especially for projects in economically distressed areas
- Brownfield Redevelopment Grants – EPA programs specifically for contaminated sites like former mining towns
- Historical Preservation Tax Credits – Available when projects incorporate historic buildings
- Opportunity Zone Investments – Tax advantages for long-term investments in low-income communities
The combination of these incentives can reduce project costs by 40-60%, making development in remote ghost towns financially competitive with more conventional locations.
As we’ve seen, while the challenges are real, they’re not insurmountable. With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and creative approaches to funding and preservation, ghost towns can transform from abandoned relics to showcases of sustainable development.
The Next Frontier in Ghost Town Solar Development
As technology evolves, the potential for solar-powered ghost town revivals grows more promising. Emerging innovations like bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight reflected off the ground, could increase energy production by 5-30% in the same footprint—making even marginal sites in ghost towns economically viable. Advanced battery storage systems, with costs dropping 85% since 2010, enable these remote communities to function as miniature power plants, storing solar energy during peak production and releasing it when needed.
Looking ahead, ghost towns may become ideal locations for “agrivoltaics”—the combination of solar energy production with agricultural activities beneath and between panels. This dual-use approach could bring energy jobs and sustainable farming to these communities, creating more diversified economies than either sector could provide alone. Early projects in Colorado and Nevada have successfully grown shade-tolerant crops beneath solar arrays, using 30% less water than conventional farming.
The future may also see ghost towns transformed into clean energy research hubs. Their remote locations and existing infrastructure make them perfect testing grounds for next-generation renewable technologies. Several universities and national laboratories are already exploring partnerships with revitalized ghost towns to establish field stations for energy research, bringing highly skilled jobs and educational opportunities to these communities.
The potential for these renewed towns to become models of circular economy principles—where waste from one process becomes input for another. Solar panel recycling facilities could process decommissioned panels from across the region, extracting valuable materials while providing employment. These communities could demonstrate how historically extractive places can transform into regenerative ones.
As climate change impacts intensify, the combination of renewable energy and cooler high-elevation settings may make revitalized ghost towns attractive for climate migrants seeking more sustainable living arrangements. What began as solar revival could evolve into community regeneration—writing a new chapter for places once considered lost to history.
The future of ghost towns need not be defined by their past. With thoughtful development, community involvement, and renewable energy as their foundation, these forgotten places can become showcases for America’s sustainable future.
Building a Stronger Future With Solar
The story of ghost towns and solar energy offers more than just an interesting historical narrative—it provides a powerful warning and an inspiring path forward for today’s communities. Ghost towns remind us that economic models built on finite resources and unsustainable practices inevitably lead to decline. They stand as silent testimonies to what happens when communities fail to adapt and diversify.
But your town doesn’t need to follow this path. By embracing solar energy today, communities can strengthen their economic foundations, create lasting jobs, and build resilience against future challenges. The transition to renewable energy is one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time, and communities that move proactively will secure the greatest benefits.
At 8MSolar, we’re committed to helping North Carolina communities harness the power of solar energy to create more sustainable futures. Our team of engineers and solar experts works with homeowners, businesses, and municipalities to design custom solar solutions that meet their specific needs and goals. From residential installations that reduce energy bills to commercial systems that provide energy independence, we deliver future-ready solar solutions that make financial and environmental sense.
Unlike the boom-and-bust industries of the past, solar energy offers long-term benefits. With long system lifespans, solar installations provide decades of clean energy and economic returns. Our approach guarantees that you receive the best system for your situation, backed by our unparalleled experience and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Take control of your energy future today with 8MSolar. Together, we can build communities powered by sustainable energy that will thrive for generations to come. Contact us to learn how solar energy can strengthen your home, business, and community’s future.
