Supporting Farming Families and Renewable Energy Initiatives
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 Stands with America’s Farming Families to Defend Rural Property Rights, Agricultural Resilience, and American Energy Independence.
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).
The “Big Beautiful Bill” Threatens Farming Families and Property Rights - At the Heart of American Agriculture.
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.
As Tax Credits Face Repeal, Farmers Are Under Threat
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.
With agrivoltaics, solar farms can add wheat, sheep as new cash crops
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.
Diversification on the farm - Agrivoltaics to survive economic uncertainty and extreme weather
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.
Statement on SF 2855 and the Future of Community Solar Gardens in Minnesota
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.
Agrivoltaics headed to Baltimore County?
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.
Commentary: Legislation would help Iowans save on electric bills
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
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.
Defending Solar - We Can’t Stop Now!
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.
Baltimore County farm to get Maryland's first "agrivoltaics" project
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 Launches New Web Page for Tuytenbridge Road Community Solar Project in Ulster, NY
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.
Deep in the UP, an abandoned mine could offer hope for green energy fights
Deep in the UP, an abandoned mine could offer hope for green energy fights.
Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar weighs-in.
NJ Enacts 200-MW Dual-solar Pilot Program
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.
For jobs and survival, Michigan needs community solar now
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.
Energy News Network: How a solar development turned from threat to opportunity for an Illinois farmer
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.
The Importance of Agrivoltaics and Community Solar: Challenges and Opportunities
Did you know the global capacity for solar energy could cover more than 100 times the world’s current energy use? Now imagine harnessing this power to simultaneously boost agricultural productivity.
Agrivoltaics, a groundbreaking concept that combines agriculture with photovoltaic technology, is transforming landscapes by integrating solar panels with crop cultivation. This innovative approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also sustains agricultural output. Coupled with community solar initiatives, agrivoltaics offers a strategic path towards sustainable development, engaging local communities in renewable energy adoption.
Lightstar Teams Volunteer at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields: Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s agricultural preserves in Rockport, helping to feed the Midcoast community.
Lightstar Teams Volunteer at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields: Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s agricultural preserves in Rockport, helping to feed the Midcoast community.