Farmland Solar Policy Design Toolkit
How to Craft solar regulations that work for your state and community
This toolkit is intended for state and municipal lawmakers, farmers, and researchers hoping to improve or better understand their community's farmland solar policies. Click on a topic below to learn how it affects the siting of solar energy on farmland, as well as farmers' access to clean energy.
Regulatory Definitions for Solar Development & Farmland
Establishing legal definitions for farmland and solar development can improve the clarity and specificity of regulations and create regulatory options for treating projects differently.
Read more »State & Local Governance
Solar development is regulated by both state and local governments. Learn how this division of labor affects project oversight and opportunities for policy advocacy.
Read more »Renewable Electricity Goals
States are committing to ambitious climate and energy goals. Learn how renewable portfolio standards and other state energy mandates for clean or renewable electricity affect solar siting on farmland.
Read more »Land Use & Energy Permitting
The administrative process for solar development can be designed to fast-track low-impact projects, increase oversight of large-scale arrays, and include specific provisions for farmland protection.
Read more »Compensation for Solar Energy
Net-metering programs and other state energy tariffs can incentivize smart land use, including arrays located on preferred sites or "dual-use" arrays designed to work with agriculture.
Read more »Interconnection
Grid interconnection rules are essential for ensuring electric reliability, but can be costly and complicated. Learn how these rules can affect solar development on farmland.
Read more »Current Use Taxation
Agricultural land enrolled in beneficial taxation programs are often barred from installing solar arrays. Learn how these programs can allow reasonable solar development on enrolled land.
Read more »Other Considerations
This toolkit couldn't cover it all. What else should lawmakers consider when writing farmland solar policy?
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