By Blake Jackson
A Penn State study examined what factors farmers consider before signing solar land leases. While the predictable income from solar is attractive, researchers found profit alone isn't the deciding factor. Farmers carefully weigh the long-term impact on their land and their ability to continue farming alongside the solar panels.
Lead author Kaitlyn Spangler emphasizes that farmers prioritize land use over short-term gains. They view solar leases as preferable to permanent land loss through development, highlighting the potential for future agricultural use even after decades.
The study, based on interviews with farmers and solar industry professionals, also raises concerns about potential limitations within lease agreements. While some leases allow continued farming under the panels, there's often no guarantee, and incentives for developers to facilitate this are lacking. Spangler sees this as a missed opportunity for "agrisolar" practices that combine agriculture with solar energy production.
Another concern identified is using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) early in the leasing process. These can hinder farmers' ability to assess the fairness of lease terms, making it crucial for them to consider factors like price per acre, inflation adjustments, and the right to manage vegetation under the panels. Consulting a lawyer during the process is highly recommended.
Spangler emphasizes the importance of transparency in fostering innovation within the energy sector. This is particularly relevant as hundreds of solar projects await approval in Pennsylvania. Siting these projects on farmland can raise concerns among residents about potential harm to community character and property values.
Recent examples include a rejected 1,000-acre project near Gettysburg and a court-denied 858-acre project in Lebanon County. The lack of statewide regulations on solar development means individual municipalities have the authority to set their own ordinances, but few have done so.
Community solar projects, offering local residents the chance to directly subscribe to the generated power, are currently prohibited under state law. While proposals to allow such projects to have been introduced, they haven't yet been voted upon by the full legislature.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Pennsylvania, Energy