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)

Resources

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.

New Agrivoltaics Training Program

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is launching a new Southern SARE-funded project designed to help agricultural and conservation professionals navigate the growing opportunities and challenges of agrivoltaics—the dual use of the land for both solar energy generation and agricultural production.

The target audience for this program includes employees of Texas Farm Bureau, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Prairie View A&M Extension, NRCS, and other conservation organizations such as land trusts and water districts. These trainings will focus on North and Central Texas, aiming to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to support producers and landowners in evaluating agrivoltaic options, particularly integrating sheep grazing and soil health practices into solar sites. In partnership with the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), the project will offer a mix of virtual and in-person trainings, including four 90-minute virtual sessions and two in-person workshops — with site visits — each lasting 4-6 hours.

We will begin enrolling participants Fall 2025, but we’re already gathering interest. If you are an agricultural or conservation professional interested in participating or someone that would like to stay updated on the project, please complete this form.