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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Between September and December 2024, the Lightstar team, in partnership with local organizations in Detroit, hosted a series of neighborhood meetings to collaboratively shape the City’s Phase I Solar Neighborhoods program. These community gatherings provided a space for neighbors from Gratiot-Findlay and State Fair to share their visions, preferences, and ideas for the solar arrays soon to be integrated into their neighborhoods. Together, we explored landscaping and fencing options, presenting various designs for their thoughtful input. Residents cast votes for their favorite designs, which helped us finalize a landscaping plan that reflects their collective voice.

‘Twas the Night Before Solar Succes

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

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

Lightstar’s own Kelly Buchanan, Policy & Strategy Manager, East, shares information on NJ Enacts 200-MW Dual-solar Pilot Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a three-year pilot program to create 200 MW of dual-use solar capacity that puts solar panels on functioning farmland in a precursor to a permanent program. 

Relevant and timely article: For jobs and survival, Michigan needs community solar now

Michigan lawmakers are considering Senate Bills 152 and 153 to enable community solar, allowing all residents to access clean, affordable, and reliable energy, regardless of income or housing status, and creating thousands of jobs in the state.

Great article from Energy News Network: As the world continues to turn towards renewable energy sources, there has been a growing concern over the impact these projects may have on agricultural land. Farmers rely on their land for their livelihood, and losing valuable farmland to solar farms can be devastating. However, one Illinois farmer found a way to turn this potential conflict into a mutually beneficial opportunity through agrivoltaics.