West Virginia Farmers Navigate the Rise of Solar Energy on Farmland

Solar energy has seen a dramatic rise nationwide, with over 1,000 square miles of land currently used for solar farms. That number could grow to 10,000 to 20,000 square miles if federal clean energy goals for 2035 are met. Many solar companies are targeting farmland for development because of its open space, accessibility, and suitability for large-scale energy production.

In some states, such as Ohio, more than 100,000 acres of farmland have already been converted or are in planning stages for solar development. Similar trends are occurring across the country, sparking debate in rural communities about the impact of solar projects on agriculture, local economies, and rural landscapes.

While solar energy projects provide renewable energy and financial opportunities, they also raise concerns about the loss of farmland and its effects on local economies. The removal of agricultural land could disrupt crop production, livestock grazing, and farming infrastructure, impacting those who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Farmers leasing their land for solar development may receive up to $1,000 per acre, which can provide stable income. However, transitioning farmland into solar fields requires careful planning to ensure it does not permanently remove valuable agricultural space.

A growing movement known as agrivoltaics is exploring ways to integrate solar energy with active farming. This approach allows land to be used for both agricultural production and solar power generation. In many cases, elevated solar panels provide shaded areas that can benefit certain crops and livestock.

Agrivoltaics allows farmers to:

• Grow crops beneath solar panels, particularly shade-tolerant plants such as kale, peppers, winter wheat, and clover.
• Raise livestock under solar installations, with sheep being the most compatible since they help maintain vegetation without damaging panels.
• Create pollinator habitats by planting flowering crops like clover that support beekeeping and enhance biodiversity.

More than 560 agrivoltaic projects are currently in progress across the U.S., primarily in the Northeast, Great Lakes region, and California. While early results show promise, additional research and infrastructure adjustments are needed to make agrivoltaics a widespread solution.

As solar energy continues to expand, balancing the needs of agriculture and clean energy will be crucial for states like West Virginia that have rich farming traditions. While some communities resist large-scale solar projects due to concerns about land use and property values, agrivoltaics offers a potential middle ground.

By integrating solar farming with traditional agriculture, West Virginia farmers may be able to maintain productive land, support local economies, and contribute to renewable energy goals without sacrificing their industry. With further research and development, the future of farming in the state could involve both harvesting crops and harnessing solar power on the same land.