Energy News Network: How a solar development turned from threat to opportunity for an Illinois farmer
Trent Gerlach had misgivings about solar being placed on cropland that he leased, but pairing the solar panels with grazing sheep has helped change his mind on clean energy’s compatibility with farming.
Article link: Energy News Network
by Kari Lydersen October 14, 2024
A herd of sheep at Acciona's High Point Solar Farm in northern Illinois. Credit: Acciona
“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 article explores how an Illinois farmer, initially skeptical about a solar farm on his leased cropland, turned the situation into a mutually beneficial opportunity through agrivoltaics. By integrating sheep grazing with the solar panels, the farmer found an efficient way to manage vegetation and continue farming while supporting renewable energy. This highlights a sustainable solution that aligns with Lightstar’s commitment to agrivoltaics as an efficient land-use strategy. At Lightstar, we share farmers’ concerns over farmland loss, which is why we’re proud to offer agrivoltaics and partner with American Farmland Trust to ensure smart solar siting and integration with local agriculture.
#Agrivoltaics: A Sustainable Solution for Solar Energy and Agriculture”
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