Texas Smart Solar

Texas leads the nation in both energy production and energy consumption. This includes more renewable energy than any other state, mostly from wind sources and rapidly growing solar energy development. Farmland characteristics (flat, good sun exposure, free of obstructions, near existing electrical infrastructure, etc.) make it an attractive location when siting large-scale solar projects. Like previous forms of energy production that have largely been compatible with the farming and ranching fabric of Texas despite their impacts on the land, AFT is focusing on the benefits and challenges of this solar expansion as informed by our Smart Solar principles.

Projected acres of utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PV) energy generation facilities by state in 2040 in the Decarbonization with Electrification scenario of the Department of Energy’s Solar Futures Study (Source: DOE, AFT)

Smart Solar Principles

American Farmland Trust has developed Smart Solar principles to help shape solar development across America. These principles can be applied broadly recognizing that Smart Solar will look different across the country due to differences in landscapes, agricultural production systems, and other characteristics.

Principle 1: Prioritize Solar Siting on Buildings and Land Not Well Suited for Farming

Emphasize solar energy development on rooftops, carports, irrigation ditches, brownfields, or other land not well suited for agriculture to help minimize the impacts of solar energy on our nation’s best agricultural land and farm businesses.

Principle 1: Prioritize Solar Siting on Buildings and Land Not Well Suited for Farming

Emphasize solar energy development on rooftops, carports, irrigation ditches, brownfields, or other land not well suited for agriculture to help minimize the impacts of solar energy on our nation’s best agricultural land and farm businesses.

Principle 2: Safeguard the Ability for Land to Be Used for Agriculture

If solar energy is developed on farmland or ranchland, policies and practices protect soil health, especially during construction and decommissioning, to ensure opportunities for farming in the future.

Principle 2: Safeguard the Ability for Land to Be Used for Agriculture

If solar energy is developed on farmland or ranchland, policies and practices protect soil health, especially during construction and decommissioning, to ensure opportunities for farming in the future.

Principle 3: Grow Agrivoltaics for Agricultural Production & Solar Energy

Agriculture and solar energy can coexist if appropriate planning is undertaken. Agrivoltaics projects sustain agricultural production underneath solar panels and/or between rows of solar panels throughout the life of the project.

Principle 3: Grow Agrivoltaics for Agricultural Production & Solar Energy

Agriculture and solar energy can coexist if appropriate planning is undertaken. Agrivoltaics projects sustain agricultural production underneath solar panels and/or between rows of solar panels throughout the life of the project.

Principle 4: Promote Equity and Farm Viability

Farmers and underserved communities should benefit from solar energy development. There must be inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure projects strengthen farm viability and reflect farmer interests, including underserved producers that face barriers to accessing land and other resources.

Principle 4: Promote Equity and Farm Viability

Farmers and underserved communities should benefit from solar energy development. There must be inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure projects strengthen farm viability and reflect farmer interests, including underserved producers that face barriers to accessing land and other resources.

Resources

Download or print these free handouts for Smart Solar℠ on farmland and ranchland.

Get the On-Farm Solar Handout

Obtenga el folleto en español sobre energía solar en granjas

Get the General Smart Solar Handout

Our Goals in Texas are to:

Safeguard land well-suited for farming and ranching
Strengthen farm viability
Accelerate renewable energy development

We will achieve this by providing educational resources and outreach to farmers and ranchers, training for service providers, and working in partnerships with other stakeholders toward common goals.

Texas Landowner Survey on Solar Energy and Farm and Ranchland

We’re conducting an important survey to gather insights and attitudes toward solar on farmland in Texas. We welcome feedback from farmers, ranchers, farmland owners, and others involved in farm operations to help effectively build consensus around Smart SolarSM in Texas. American Farmland Trust (AFT) believes the interests, needs, and concerns of farmers and farmland owners need to be heard and shared with decision-makers.

Take the Survey

Contact AFT's Texas Smart Solar Expert:

Landowners are encouraged to consider us as a valuable resource, and we invite other organizations to explore potential partnerships.

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