About AgPV
What is Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics (AgPV, also known as dual-use solar, is the practice of integrating agricultural activities with solar power generation on the same piece of land. Imagine rows of solar panels elevated high enough to allow crops to grow underneath or for livestock to graze freely. This approach maximizes land efficiency, providing farmers with a stable income source while producing clean energy for the community.
This symbiotic relationship offers numerous benefits. Crops planted beneath panels are often shielded from harsh sun and extreme weather, which can reduce water evaporation and heat stress. For livestock, the panels provide welcome shade, while their grazing naturally manages vegetation, reducing maintenance costs for the solar facility. It’s a win-win that supports both food and energy production.
Lightstar: Proven Leadership in Agrivoltaics and a First Mover in Maryland's AgPV Landscape
As a national leader in community solar, Lightstar recognized the immense potential of agrivoltaics to support Maryland’s clean energy goals and its farming communities. We are proud to be a first mover on AgPV in the state, bringing years of experience and a proven track record to actively shape the conversation and set a high standard for responsible development.
Our commitment goes beyond simply installing panels. We cultivate long-term partnerships with landowners and farmers to ensure the land remains productive for generations. A key part of our strategy is contributing to Maryland's agricultural economy. Our projects are designed to support important hay and forage production, which is vital for the state's livestock industry. By integrating farming into our project design from day one, we help preserve agricultural traditions while generating new revenue streams.
Agrivoltaics in Maryland: A Sustainable Solution for Energy and Agriculture
Agrivoltaics is transforming Maryland’s energy landscape by integrating solar energy production with active agricultural use, offering a sustainable solution to the state’s renewable energy goals while preserving farmland. As a leader in this innovative field, Lightstar is at the forefront of promoting dual-use solar systems that maximize land productivity, support local ecosystems, and provide economic stability for farmers.
Lightstar’s projects, like the Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project, demonstrate the potential of dual-use systems to create microclimates that reduce water loss, promote biodiversity with pollinator-friendly habitats, and enable water conservation. These systems not only enhance crop yields and grazing conditions but also support Maryland’s agricultural heritage by providing farmers with resources, training, and financial incentives, such as tax exemptions under H.B. 1039.
Agrivoltaics represents a promising path forward for Maryland. By addressing concerns through thoughtful planning and community engagement, Lightstar is leading the charge to make agrivoltaics a cornerstone of Maryland’s sustainable future.
For this project, Lightstar partnered with…
Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg) bridges the understanding between agricultural landowners, farmers and solar developers by:
Working alongside established agricultural organizations to help educate policymakers crafting legislation incentivizing agrivoltaics and framing its long-term agricultural integrity
Partnering with academic institutions to foster scientifically based studies of photosynthetically available radiation, soil health, and agricultural production under and around agrivoltaic projects.
Developing site specific farm logistics plans that address the needs of the land, the farmer, the solar developer, and the community..
