Midwest Smart Solar℠

States and local governments across the Midwest have a patchwork of renewable energy policies and goals. Research by AFT, the U.S. Dept. of Energy, and Cornell University all found that 80% of solar development will occur on farmland because it is typically flat, cleared, and close to transmission infrastructure. With the current pressure on Midwestern farmland from low-density residential development, or urban sprawl, AFT is invested in balancing renewable energy goals while keeping land in farming.

Smart Solar℠ guides solar development to areas with minimal negative impact on land, ensures that agricultural land used for solar projects can still be farmed in the future, and promotes “agrivoltaic” solar projects to create opportunities for both farming and solar energy on the same land. If done well, Smart Solar℠ projects can provide income for farmers and landowners and protect land well-suited for agriculture.

Across the Midwest, AFT is working with state agencies, legislators, and a variety of partners— including farmer organizations, conservation groups, and some developers — to minimize the impact of solar development on productive farmland.

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)

Understanding Solar: Resources for Landowners

Resources

Get the General Smart Solar Handout

Midwest Solar Goals

Safeguard land well-suited for farming and ranching
Strengthen farm viability
Increase the adoption of agrivoltaic farming systems

These goals will be achieved by providing educational resources and outreach to farmers and ranchers, training service providers, and working in partnerships with other stakeholders toward common goals.