Farmers Leasing Land for Solar Power

By Andi Anderson

Interest among US farmers in leasing their land for solar energy projects has significantly increased, as revealed by a recent Purdue University survey.

As the agricultural community grows more receptive to renewable energy, the number of farmers considering solar leases has doubled since the winter.

The survey indicates that one in five US farmers has recently explored the possibility of solar leasing. This marks a considerable rise from just a few months earlier.

Such an interest has translated into action, with 6% of landowners signing solar energy leases.

"Interest in leasing farmland for solar energy production continues to rise," stated the Purdue agricultural economists in charge of the barometer.

This shift comes amidst high rental offers from developers, some exceeding $1,000 per acre annually, making solar leasing an attractive financial prospect for farmers.

Despite the strong push towards renewable energy, solar and wind farms currently occupy a small fraction of rural American land.

The impact on local economies can be significant, as some farmers report that energy production is contributing to rising land values in their areas.

Renewable energy's role in the US is growing, with solar and wind farms mainly on the coasts and central plains, respectively.

These sources contributed 10.7% to US electrical generation in 2020. The government supports this shift; recent legislation has extended tax credits for renewable projects and provided substantial funding for clean energy initiatives.

The ongoing consolidation of solar and wind projects in agricultural areas, while small in total land use, is gaining momentum.

This trend is backed by federal initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure for renewable energy across rural America.

As farmers continue to adapt to and embrace alternative energy opportunities, the landscape of American agriculture is evolving.

The increase in solar leasing supports the national energy goals and provides farmers with new avenues for income, reflecting a significant shift in the sector's approach to sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography