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How Pennsylvania Preserves the environment: Solar & Farmland

Updated July 6, 2024 | 5 min read

Pennsylvania Preserves the environment Solar FarmlandEmbracing the sun's boundless energy potential has emerged as a captivating alternative to our age-old reliance on fossil fuels. The remarkable strides in solar energy over the recent years have made it increasingly affordable and accessible, chiefly propelled by the surging efficiency of solar panels and the burgeoning markets for solar panel materials. However, the radiant future of solar energy encounters a complex challenge – the need for vast expanses of land, a limited resource often contested by agriculture, industry, and residential development.

Pennsylvania is fast becoming a hotspot for solar energy, particularly following the release of the Pennsylvania Solar Future Plan in November 2018. This visionary plan unveiled the goal of elevating in-state solar energy generation from its current sub-1% status to an impressive 10%, yielding 10-12 gigawatts by 2030, thus catalyzing a substantial surge in solar capacity across the state.

The fertile farmlands of Pennsylvania hold tremendous potential for this solar expansion. They are characterized by flat terrain, optimal drainage, abundant sunshine, and convenient proximity to key infrastructure like transmission lines and substations. Yet, the utilization of farmland for solar energy has sparked contention in rural communities, primarily concerning its benefits for these communities and the apprehension about the loss of productive farmland for potentially 30 years – the average duration of a solar land lease.

According to economic modeling within the PA Solar Future Plan, there exist two scenarios to attain the 10% goal by 2030. Scenario A would necessitate 89 square miles or 56,800 acres of farmland to reach its objective, while Scenario B would require 124 square miles or 79,200 acres of farmland. To put it into perspective, the city limits of Philadelphia encompass 141 square miles or 90,690 acres.

If all grid-scale solar projects were confined solely to farmland in Pennsylvania, they would only account for 0.8% and 1.1% of the total operated farmland for Scenarios A and B, respectively. This calculation excludes other land types, such as abandoned mine lands, forested areas, and other open, marginal land. Nevertheless, the loss of historically significant farmland and its associated social, cultural, and ecological value remains a paramount concern for rural Pennsylvania communities, warranting heightened attention.

Kaitlyn Spangler, human-environment Geographer and Postdoctoral Scholar at College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is part of a dedicated research team delving into the localized realities of solar energy expansion on agricultural land in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their mission is to bridge the understanding gaps surrounding how agricultural landowners navigate the ethical and logistical challenges of repurposing their land for solar energy production. Additionally, explore the broader implications of such initiatives on the communities and landscapes these landowners inhabit. Key questions for thought:
  1. What are the ecological, economic, and social trade-offs associated with employing agricultural land for solar energy expansion?
  2. What are the energy justice implications entailed in these trade-offs?

Findings reveal that farmers embark on solar leases for diverse reasons, spanning from financial gain due to enhanced profit margins compared to traditional crop cultivation to the preservation of their farms for future generations. Some opt for solar projects as a safeguard against industrial development or to grant their land a "rest" period to rejuvenate soil quality during the lease's duration. Amidst juggling these priorities, farmers often collaborate with legal experts to establish fair and flexible lease provisions that extend over the years without forfeiting the lease privilege. It's noteworthy that many farmers enter into non-disclosure agreements during these negotiations, constraining them from discussing provisions with other farmers or community members until the contract is inked.

As for agrivoltaics, the coexistence of crop cultivation, grazing, or pollinator-friendly flora with solar panels, its adoption remains challenging for both farmers and developers due to the vagueness or absence of incentives in solar leases for this unique land management approach. The lack of transparency and community involvement in these leasing procedures, coupled with a pressing need for enhanced solar education, have contributed to strong community resistance against on-farm solar initiatives, potentially dividing local communities.

The transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources should be intricately woven into the fabric of local communities, addressing their distinct needs and preferences while mitigating further damage in the context of climate change. The ongoing and forthcoming expansion of solar energy in Pennsylvania underscores the necessity of adopting a divergent approach compared to the shale gas production expansion, characterized by the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry. By engaging in research and dialogue, we can learn from past missteps associated with the shale gas boom and steer the path of solar energy towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

One such way is noted in the solar boosting bill quickly gaining support in Pennsylvania.

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Odellya channels her marketing expertise into making sustainability accessible for all. Whether writing articles or teaching yoga classes, Odellya has a passion for cultivating a greener world.