5/5/2021 Study: 360 acres of forest cleared for solar in R.I. Tree clearing for solar development, such as the Green Development farm pictured here under construction off Iron Mine Hill Road, has sparked concerns from policy groups and researchers. (Courtesy of Tim Forcier) NORTH SMITHFIELD – A Clark University professor working to quantify the amount of solar development in Rhode Island found that 740 acres have been developed for solar power, nearly half of it on previously forested land. John Rogan is a geography professor in the Worcester university’s Graduate School of Geography. His previous work includes mapping elephants in Africa and mining installations in Peru.