Here at One Place Solar, we’re always excited to see innovation that pushes the clean energy revolution forward. For too long, a common concern about large-scale solar has been the perceived competition between clean energy and productive farmland. The question often asked is, “Do we generate power or grow food?” What if we told you you didn’t have to choose?

Enter agrivoltaics—a brilliant, synergistic solution that’s gaining well-deserved momentum. The recent news that New York State has awarded over $7 million to demonstrate this practice is a powerful signal that the future of solar is not just on rooftops or in deserts, but integrated into the very heart of our agricultural landscape. This aligns perfectly with our mission at One Place Solar: to deliver innovative energy solutions that work in harmony with your land and livelihood.

What Exactly is Agrivoltaics?

In simple terms, agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar energy production and agriculture on the same piece of land. Instead of panels sitting low to the ground on gravel, they are strategically elevated, spaced wider apart, or installed with specialized tracking systems. This allows for crops to be grown underneath and around them, or for livestock to graze in the shaded areas.

It’s a win-win philosophy: the land produces food and clean energy simultaneously, creating a more resilient and profitable operation.

Why New York’s Investment is So Significant

New York, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), isn’t just dipping a toe in the water—they’re making a strategic investment in the future of farming and energy. The $7 million in grants is split into two key parts:

1. $2 Million for Real-World Demonstrations: This funds four distinct projects across the state, proving that agrivoltaics isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. The projects include:
   • Solar for Cattle & Corn (Capital Region): Elevated panels allowing for cattle grazing and corn harvesting with traditional equipment.
   • Solar for Dairy & Grain (Finger Lakes): Using solar shade to benefit grazing dairy cattle and enhance soil productivity.
   • Solar for Hay & Veggies (Hudson Valley): Wider panel spacing to continue hay production and introduce new vegetable operations.
   • Integrating Livestock at Existing Sites (Southern Tier/Western NY): Adding pigs, poultry, and specialty crops to already-operating community solar farms.
2. $5 Million for Groundbreaking Research: A major grant to Cornell University will fund long-term research at their agricultural experiment stations. They’ll study everything from using solar panels to protect apple orchards from frost and hail, to how different crops perform under various panel configurations.

As NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris stated, this is about “locating two essential industries in the same space.” This research is crucial for developing best practices that will benefit farmers and solar developers nationwide.

The Dual Benefits: More Than Just an Extra Revenue Stream

While the additional income from leasing land for solar is a major benefit for farmers facing economic pressures, the advantages of agrivoltaics run even deeper:

• For the Crops: The partial shade from solar panels can reduce heat stress in plants, decrease water evaporation from the soil (meaning less irrigation is needed), and can even extend the growing season for some cool-weather crops.
• For the Livestock: Animals like cattle, sheep, and poultry benefit from having shaded areas to rest in, which can reduce heat stress and improve overall health.
• For the Solar Panels: Believe it or not, the plants and animals can help the solar array! The vegetation underneath helps manage dust, and grazing animals can naturally control weed growth, reducing maintenance costs.
• For the Community: It keeps farmland actively working, preserves rural character, and contributes to local clean energy goals without taking fertile soil out of production.

One Place Solar: Your Partner in a Smarter Solar Future

The movement toward dual-use solar is here, and we are passionate about being at the forefront. At One Place Solar, we see agrivoltaics not as a niche concept, but as a cornerstone of responsible solar development. This innovative approach is part of a broader suite of services we offer to landowners who are ready to harness the power of the sun.

How We Can Help You Harness This Innovation

Whether you’re a farmer, a large landowner, or an agricultural business, we have the expertise to guide you through the process and maximize the benefits for your specific property.

• Commercial & Agricultural Solar Solutions: Our flagship service is designing and managing large-scale solar installations tailored to the unique needs of your operation. We handle everything from initial site feasibility and financial modeling to navigating permits and installation. 
• Landowner Solar Leasing: Have unused acreage? Leasing your land for a solar farm is a powerful way to create a stable, long-term revenue stream without taking on the upfront costs. We connect landowners with reputable developers and ensure you get a fair and beneficial agreement. 
• Community Solar Garden Development: We develop community solar projects that allow multiple subscribers (including homeowners, renters, and local businesses) to benefit from a single, large-scale solar array. This is a fantastic way to bring solar to your entire community while generating income from your land. 
• Expert Consultation & Site Assessment: Not sure where to start? Our expert consultation service provides a comprehensive analysis of your land’s solar potential. We assess factors like sun exposure, soil quality, topography, and local regulations to give you a clear, actionable plan. [Schedule Your Free Site Assessment with one of our specialists today.]

We are committed to:

• Staying Informed: We actively follow the research and best practices emerging from projects like those funded in New York to ensure our methods are state-of-the-art.
• Creative Site Design: We look for opportunities to design systems that work in harmony with the land, whether it’s for a small family farm or a large agricultural operation, including agrivoltaic configurations.
• Farmer-Friendly Partnerships: We work transparently with landowners to structure agreements that provide stable, long-term revenue while supporting their primary agricultural business.

New York’s investment proves that the conversation is shifting from “solar vs. farming” to “solar and farming.” It’s an exciting time, and the potential for a more resilient, sustainable, and productive future is immense.

Are you a landowner curious about the possibilities for your property? Contact One Place Solar today for a consultation. Let’s explore how you can be a part of this agricultural and energy revolution.