Projects in Development
Advancing Community Solar and Agrivoltaics Development
We lead the renewable energy transition by pairing solar energy generation with active agriculture. Lightstar designs and develops dual-use agrivoltaics (AgPV) and community solar projects that strengthen grid resilience, support local farmers, and empower communities to meet clean energy goals. We believe you should never have to choose between productive farmland and renewable energy.
By integrating solar infrastructure into working landscapes, we build a sustainable future that honors agricultural heritage while delivering reliable power directly to local neighborhoods.
Why Choose Dual-Use Solar Development?
Our projects deliver measurable advantages to landowners, local utilities, and the environment. We engineer every site to maximize both energy output and agricultural productivity.
Enhanced Soil Health
Native plantings and partial shade from solar panels lower soil temperatures and retain moisture, which improves crop yields and significantly reduces water usage.
Grid Stability
Landowners secure stable, weather-proof revenue through lease agreements while keeping their land in active agricultural production.
Agricultural Preservation
Distributed energy generation brings power directly to local communities. This relieves transmission strain, prevents rolling blackouts, and ensures a stable flow of electricity.
Community-Driven Energy
Local residents and businesses subscribe to the clean energy we generate. This lowers their utility bills without the need to install rooftop panels.
Regional Projects in Development
Explore Lightstar’s innovative community solar and agrivoltaic developments across MA, NY, NJ, IL, and MD. We combine active farming with clean energy generation.
Maryland
We are expanding our dual-use solar initiatives throughout Maryland, bringing together clean energy innovation and agricultural preservation. Our projects across the state are designed to meet Maryland’s ambitious renewable energy goals while supporting the local farming community. By working hand-in-hand with landowners, we ensure that each development blends seamlessly into the landscape, enhances soil health, and provides direct benefits to both rural and suburban communities. Maryland residents and farmers can participate in and benefit from reliable, locally generated solar power, helping the state build a brighter, more resilient energy future.
We strategically locate our developments in areas where high clean energy demand meets a rich tradition of farming.
Maryland Projects
Otterdale Mill Road
This 3.375 MWdc project in Taneytown, MD supplies clean energy to 298 homes and reduces CO2 emissions by 1,774 tons each year.
Keysville Bruceville Road
Situated in Keymar, MD, this 4.2 MWac solar array generates enough clean energy to power 821 homes while offsetting 4,786 tons of CO2 annually.
Sheppard Lane
Powering 369 homes and eliminating 1,413 tons of CO2 per year, this 2 MWac project brings meaningful clean energy impact to Ellicott City, MD.
Massachusetts
We are pioneering dual-use solar across the Commonwealth. Our Massachusetts projects support the state's SMART program, delivering clean power while protecting historic farmland. We work closely with local farmers to design arrays that accommodate specific regional crops and livestock grazing.
Norrisville Road
This 3.5 MWac installation in White Hall, MD delivers renewable energy to 555 homes each year, preventing 2,128 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
New York
We expand equitable solar access across the Empire State. We partner with New York landowners to build community solar farms that align directly with NYSERDA's aggressive climate initiatives. These projects focus heavily on grid stabilization and bringing renewable energy to underserved communities.
New Jersey
We advance grid stability in the Garden State. Our New Jersey agrivoltaics developments maximize land efficiency in a densely populated region. We combine robust energy generation with active farming operations, proving that high-capacity solar and agriculture can thrive side-by-side.
Illinois
We bring community solar to the Midwest. We develop projects across Illinois that respect the deep agricultural roots of the region. Our midwestern sites focus on large-scale soil health improvements and providing equitable access to clean energy for rural and suburban communities alike.
Project Milestones: Our Development Process
We follow a rigorous, community-focused process to bring our agrivoltaics and community solar projects to life..
1. Site Assessment: We evaluate land viability, grid interconnection capacity, and agricultural potential to ensure the site is a perfect fit for dual-use development.
2. Community Engagement: We consult with local stakeholders, agricultural experts, and municipal leaders to align our project goals with specific community needs.
3. Permitting and Design: Our engineering teams create site-specific agrivoltaic designs that optimize both crop production and solar generation, ensuring farm equipment can navigate the site easily.
4. Construction and Integration: We install state-of-the-art solar arrays with careful attention to soil preservation, minimal disruption, and extensive native planting.
5. Active Operation: The site generates clean energy for the local grid while farmers continue their daily agricultural activities beneath and around the panels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of land for both solar energy generation and agriculture. This dual-use method allows farmers to grow crops or graze livestock directly beneath and between solar panels, maximizing the utility of the land.
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Community solar allows multiple individuals and businesses to benefit from a single shared solar array. You subscribe to a local project and receive credits on your utility bill, which directly reduces your overall energy costs.
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No. We design our agrivoltaics projects specifically to protect and enhance the land. The infrastructure supports healthy soil, reduces water evaporation, and allows traditional farming equipment to operate safely on the property.
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Landowners receive stable lease revenue, tenant farmers maintain access to productive agricultural land, and local residents gain equitable access to affordable, clean electricity.
Secure the Future of Your Land
Partner with the premier industry leader in agrivoltaics and community solar. We handle every step of the development process to turn your underutilized space into a powerful community asset.
Contact the Lightstar development team today to discuss your property's potential and schedule a comprehensive site assessment.