New York awards $7 million for co-located solar and farming
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New York Invests in Agrivoltaics - Highlights
New York is taking a significant step forward in sustainable land use by investing over $7 million in agrivoltaics. This initiative, managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), aims to demonstrate how solar energy generation and active farming can successfully coexist. By funding innovative projects across the state, New York is creating a blueprint for a future where clean energy and agriculture work together to build a more resilient and profitable rural economy.
This investment is more than just a financial commitment; it's a strategic move to support the state's 33,000 farms. With nearly 7 million acres dedicated to agriculture, New York farmers are increasingly looking for ways to diversify their income and sustain their operations. Agrivoltaics offers a powerful solution, allowing them to earn revenue from clean energy production without taking valuable land out of commission.
Trailblazing Projects Across the State
The funding has been divided to support both immediate demonstration projects and long-term research, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing best practices for agrivoltaics.
Showcasing Agrivoltaic Potential
Over $2 million has been awarded to four distinct projects designed to showcase the versatility and benefits of co-locating solar and agriculture:
Capital Region: The New York Power Authority received $750,000 to develop a large-scale solar array on the SUNY Cobleskill campus. This project will feature elevated panels to allow for cattle grazing and corn cultivation, using spacing that accommodates traditional harvesting equipment.
Finger Lakes: A $185,000 award to K&MH Martens Farms will integrate a 300-kilowatt solar array into a microgrid for a grain processing operation. The project will study how shade from the panels can benefit grazing dairy cattle, improve soil health, and extend the growing season for grasses.
Southern Tier and Western New York: United Agrivoltaics was awarded $750,000 to introduce pigs, poultry, and specialty crops to existing community solar sites. This demonstrates how agrivoltaics can be retrofitted to enhance land productivity on established solar farms.
Lightstar's Innovative Hudson Valley Project
In the Hudson Valley, Lightstar Renewables was awarded over $515,000 for a 3,200-kilowatt solar project. What sets this project apart is its thoughtful design, which features wider spacing between solar panels. This innovative layout allows for the continuation of hay production while also introducing one to two acres of new vegetable operations.
This approach demonstrates a core principle of successful agrivoltaics: partnership. By designing a system that supports, rather than displaces, existing agricultural practices, Lightstar is creating a model that puts farmers first. The project will generate enough clean energy for approximately 725 homes per year, proving that dual-use land can deliver significant environmental and economic benefits.
Investing in Long-Term Research
To ensure the continued growth and refinement of agrivoltaics, a $5 million grant was awarded to Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). This funding will establish research sites to study the long-term effects of dual-use practices across different crops and growing conditions.
At one site, a solar array will be constructed over a high-density apple orchard, using specialized sensors to manipulate the panels for optimal sun exposure and crop protection. Another project on the Cornell campus in Ithaca will feature a tracking system over various vegetable and forage crops to research everything from plant genetics to water management. This academic partnership is crucial for developing the data-driven best practices that will help farmers across the state and beyond adopt agrivoltaics with confidence.
A New Era for Farming and Energy
New York's investment in agrivoltaics signals a new era where the goals of clean energy and agricultural preservation are no longer in conflict. By supporting companies like Lightstar Renewables and partnering with leading research institutions, the state is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. These projects are more than just experiments; they are living examples of how innovation can help us meet our energy needs while strengthening the backbone of our rural communities.
Lightstar Renewables is proud to be at the forefront of the agrivoltaics movement, developing community-focused solar solutions that create a win-win for landowners and the environment.
Ready to learn more about how Lightstar is shaping the future of sustainable energy? Visit Lightstar.com to explore our projects and discover the power of partnership.
For more details, access the full article here: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/11/06/new-york-awards-7-million-for-co-located-solar-and-farming/
Contact Meghan Welborn, Director of Marketing & PR for press inquires and speaking enagagements for Lucy Bullock-Sieger and the Lightstar team.