This article presents a comprehensive set of principles and guidelines for the responsible planning, construction, and operation of solar energy facilities in North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on minimizing their ecological impact and safeguarding biodiversity. The principles advocate steering clear of areas rich in native biodiversity, especially resilient zones vital for species diversity and climate resilience, when selecting sites for solar installations. They underscore the significance of considering wildlife connectivity, especially in the context of climate change, by avoiding the establishment of solar facilities in climate corridors. The article suggests employing wildlife-friendly fencing and creating unfenced wildlife corridors to facilitate the movement of animals through and around solar projects. Additionally, the principles encourage the use of degraded lands with limited vegetation and poor soil quality for solar development, along with measures to protect water quality, like avoiding floodplains and buffering streams and wetlands. Furthermore, they promote the restoration of native vegetation and grasslands, incorporating native and pollinator-friendly plants to enhance biodiversity and minimize erosion, and provide guidance on preserving and augmenting wildlife habitat.