New research from the University of Arkansas shows that even with an extreme ramping up of solar energy infrastructure, only a tiny fraction of agricultural land would likely be taken out of production to harvest sunlight instead.

Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar weighs-in.

Deep in the UP, an abandoned mine could offer hope for green energy fights.

Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar weighs-in.

Urban farms can be anchors of community resiliency, supporting food availability, economic opportunities, and educational activities, too. Now, the City of Detroit has embarked on a plan to add clean power to the list of benefits. The Solar Neighborhoods program incorporates agrivoltaics, enabling the city move forward with decarbonization goals for municipal operations. Partners in the project already anticipate that it will provide a model for similar programs in cities across the US.

Urban farms can be anchors of community resiliency, supporting food availability, economic opportunities, and educational activities, too. Now, the City of Detroit has embarked on a plan to add clean power to the list of benefits. The Solar Neighborhoods program incorporates agrivoltaics, enabling the city move forward with decarbonization goals for municipal operations. Partners in the project already anticipate that it will provide a model for similar programs in cities across the US.

It's crucial to reach out to your Senators today! Voice your support for America's farming families and their communities by advocating for the preservation of investment tax credits.

Lightstar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to America’s farming families as federal proposals threaten to undermine a vital farm viability and succession planning tool for America’s farmers – the long-standing technology neutral investment tax credit (ITC).  

Detroit is taking a bold step forward in its commitment to sustainability and neighborhood revitalization. Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Duggan, the city is expanding its Solar Neighborhoods initiative in partnership with Lightstar Renewables. Phase 2 of the project will transform 61 acres of long-vacant land in the Houston-Whittier/Hayes and Greenfield Park neighborhoods into active solar fields.

Farmers in America stand at a crossroads. The “Big Beautiful Bill”, as passed out of the House this morning, threatens both the financial stability of farming families and the property rights that lie at the heart of American agriculture. This bill would immediately take away farming families’ choice to utilize a portion of their property for solar or agrivoltaics.

Detroit is setting the standard for urban revitalization and sustainable development. Spearheaded by Mayor Mike Duggan's visionary leadership, the City of Detroit has taken another significant step towards combating climate change and empowering its neighborhoods. Lightstar Renewables is proud to collaborate with the City of Detroit on the Phase 2 Solar Neighborhoods initiative, turning long-vacant land into state-of-the-art solar fields and delivering exceptional benefits to the community.

It's crucial to reach out to your Senators today! Voice your support for America's farming families and their communities by advocating for the preservation of investment tax credits.

At the Solar and Farming Association (SAFA), we stand firm in advocating for policies that empower rural farmers and advance sustainable energy solutions. The phase out of clean energy investment tax credits poses a significant threat to innovative American farmers who rely on agrivoltaics to sustain their livelihoods, diversify income streams, and preserve their land.

Solar energy developers are increasingly looking to open their facilities to another type of farming: crops and livestock.

Agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for solar energy generation and agricultural production, is getting more attention, according to a July 2024 report released by the Solar and Storage Industries Institute. More than 70% of farmers are open to large-scale solar projects on their properties if system designs allow for continued agricultural production, according to the report.

Agrivoltaics doesn’t just benefit individual farmers; it strengthens rural economies as a whole. By choosing agrivoltaics, you’re creating jobs for solar system installation and maintenance. The revenue generated can circulate back into your local community, supporting businesses, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Lightstar opposed proposed legislation in MN: Lightstar supports the current program dates and MW allocations in Minnesota Statutes 2024 for steady growth: 80MW from 2027-2030, and 60MW from 2031 onward. Our long-term commitment to Minnesota means the proposed end of the community solar program in SF2855 after 2028 would limit our project completion and future investments.

Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar weighs-in.

FREELAND, Md. — A proposed solar farm in northern Baltimore County could become one of Maryland’s first agrivoltaic projects, integrating crop production with renewable energy generation.

Relevant and timely article: Commentary: Legislation would help Iowans save on electric bills

Community solar can provide power and infrastructure upgrades where it is needed most, and power closest to where it is consumed by the community. Most importantly, community solar lowers the cost of electricity bills for subscribers.

Solar and Agriculture Unite in Nationwide Policy Milestone - American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) delegates solidify commitment to a resilient future for America's farmers and rural communities with solar projects with verified shared agricultural use: The Solar and Farming Association (SAFA) announces a major policy milestone that strengthens our rural farming families and economies.

If we put solar on top of farmland we reap incredible rewards. Landowners get competitive land lease rates for ~40 years. Meanwhile, farm viability is ensured in the long run, with a farming stipend that would otherwise go to lawnmowing under the array.

FREELAND, Md. — Building a solar farm can often mean taking up many acres of land - but a farm in northern Baltimore County hopes to get a new kind of solar array that will allow it to keep crop production going.

Lightstar Renewables announces the launch of a dedicated web page for the Tuytenbridge Road Community Solar Project in the Town of Ulster, NY. Designed to foster transparency and community engagement, this resource provides answers to frequently asked questions, refutes project misconceptions, and highlights the environmental and economic benefits of this transformative project.