[Massplanners] Solar "Farms" Article Chicago Tribune

[Judy Markland]

The state incentive program for large-scale solar projects, Solar Mass. 
Renewable Target program or SMART, currently incentivizes only dual use 
solar for placement on agricultural land and continues this in its 2024 
Straw Proposal 
<https://www.mass.gov/doc/2024-smart-straw-proposal/download>.

However, out here in the Connecticut River Valley, there has been little 
interest in dual use from either solar developers or crop farmers.  The 
developers don't like the amount of land that must be set left unshaded, 
and the farmers don't like the amount of shade produced.  The only 
currently viable dual use farming activity seems to be sheep and goat 
pasturage.  UMass Amherst has been researching crops that might thrive 
under solar panels but the last I knew hadn't discovered any with 
significant market potential.

In addition, solar facilities on land with an Agricultural Preservation 
Restriction are not allowed to produce more than 200% of the electrical 
usage of the farm.  Land in Chapter 61 or 61A may only produce 125% of 
the farm's electrical usage or must come out of Chapter and repay the 
last 5 years of property tax savings to the town.

Judy Markland, former member Whately Planning Board


On 8/1/2024 10:45 AM, Daniel Fortier via MassPlanners wrote:
> For those interested in this concept, here is a link to a Webinar on 
> August 28th.
>
> https://bit.ly/4dg1Aaa
>
> Description
> Large-scale solar is a growing energy source in local governments 
> across the U.S., particularly in rural areas. As solar grows, there 
> are significant opportunities for farms to benefit, gaining access to 
> new revenue streams while also maintaining land for grazing, wildlife, 
> or other uses. Concepts like agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, and community 
> benefit agreements can mitigate risks and create opportunities. A new 
> tax base and diversified agricultural production can support economic 
> development and provide enhanced community services. Lastly, strategic 
> siting and site design can protect community character while 
> respecting private property rights.
>
> In this webinar, zoning expert Brian Ross from the Great Plains 
> Institute will provide an overview of best practices and common 
> solutions around planning, zoning, and incentives for agrivoltaics and 
> large-scale solar. This webinar is eligible for 1.5 AICP CM credits.
>
> Daniel Fortier, AICP Retired Planner
>
> On Wed, Jul 31, 2024, 3:15 PM Mark Klitzke <mark.klitzke at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>     Sharing this local link:
>     https://farmland.org/in-massachusetts-proof-grows-of-benefits-for-combining-solar-and-agriculture/
>
>     Mark
>
>

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