A New Season for Farming and Energy: Lightstar Celebrates Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project

Sep 23

Ribbon cutting ceremony for AgPV project - first of its kind in New York, the groundbreaking project combines agriculture with solar energy

A crowd of state officials, community leaders, farmers, and clean energy experts gathered at the DiMartino Farm in Montgomery, New York, to witness a pivotal moment for both agriculture and renewable energy. On September 17, 2025, Lightstar Renewables hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Plains Road project, marking the successful launch of New York’s first utility-scale agrivoltaics (AgPV) installation and heralding a new era of sustainable land use.

The event was more than a celebration; it was a living demonstration of how solar energy production and traditional farming can not only coexist but thrive together. Attendees experienced firsthand how innovation can honor agricultural heritage while paving the way for a resilient, clean energy future.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Environmental Research Program provided support for this project to understand the costs, benefits, and market potential for agrivoltaics as part of New York State’s clean energy transition and economic growth.

At the event, Carl Mas, NYSERDA Senior Vice President of Policy, Analysis, and Research said, “NYSERDA is committed to supporting agrivoltaic research and demonstration like Lightstar’s Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project. Developing information and tools that can help decision-making in communities and by property owners are essential for those who might be considering co-utilizing their agricultural land for renewable energy generation.”

Honoring Legacy, Embracing Innovation

The sense of community and partnership was palpable. Tom Brown, CEO of Lightstar, kicked off the ceremony with a warm welcome, thanking the DiMartino family, project partners, and local leaders for their collaboration. He delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of community solar and the immense potential for agrivoltaics to reshape our energy landscape.

The DiMartino family, who have farmed the land for generations, were at the heart of the celebration. Fresh from haying the field, Ralph DiMartino strategically placed his farming equipment under the solar array, giving attendees a tangible sense of the project's scale and the ample space for machinery to operate. His sister, Lisa DiMartino, who has lived on the property her entire life, joined him to cut the ribbon. They spoke passionately about what the project represents: the adaptability of modern farmers and a future where energy and agriculture work in harmony.

A Project in Motion: Highlights from the Day

The event was designed to be an immersive experience, showcasing the project's unique features and benefits:

Guided Tours: Luke Reynolds, Lightstar’s Director of EPC, led groups on tours of the site, explaining the engineering and construction that make this dual-use project possible.
A Farm in Action: The hay barn was open, allowing guests to see the first crop harvested from beneath the solar array. Throughout the day, attendees watched as the panels slowly pivoted to track the sun, a quiet display of the advanced technology at work.
Community and Collaboration: The Lightstar team was on hand to share their expertise, while local farmers attended to explore how agrivoltaics could be implemented on their own properties.
Fresh Partnerships: Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch from a local vendor and took home Lightstar canvas bags filled with fresh produce from Fresh Caribbean Growers. This partnership was particularly exciting, as the growers will soon cultivate over two acres of vegetables on the site, demonstrating another layer of agricultural productivity.

A Blueprint for a Sustainable Future

The ceremony featured powerful endorsements from key partners who were instrumental in the project’s success. Assembly Member Brian Maher was represented at the event and has been speaking out on the project's importance for state-level clean energy goals, calling it "a turning point for sustainable development in New York." Linda Garrett of American Farmland Trust praised the project’s alignment with Smart Solar principles, noting that Lightstar has "created a model that truly puts farmers first." Iain Ward of Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the real value agrivoltaics delivers to working farms.

Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar, closed the speaking portion with a forward-looking call to action. "Plains Road is just the beginning," she stated. "We encourage municipalities and farmers across New York and beyond to consider how agrivoltaics can serve their unique needs and contribute to a more sustainable future."

As the day concluded, it was clear that the Plains Road project is a powerful symbol of progress. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, community, and a deep respect for the land come together.

Interested in learning more about agrivoltaics or exploring a partnership with Lightstar Renewables? Visit us at lightstar.com.

For more information about the Plains Road agrivoltaics project or Lightstar Renewables' commitment to community-focused solar solutions, please contact:

Meghan Welborn, Director of Marketing and PR at Lightstar

📧 meghan.welborn@lightstar.com

🌐 lightstar.com