Solar power has become an important consideration for my family farm in Augusta County, Virginia, where we’ve worked the land for 75 years. While farming has always been a way of life for us, the rising costs and challenges of today’s economy make it increasingly difficult to sustain the farm. Four years ago, we entered into an agreement with a solar energy developer, hoping that solar power could offer a stable, sustainable income stream for the farm. The project would have provided 150 megawatts of clean energy to the community and brought in $3.25 million for Augusta County, which could have been used to improve schools, roads, and emergency services. Unfortunately, the county commission chose to terminate the project.
I understand that some may have concerns about using farmland for solar energy projects, but I believe solar offers a temporary and non-invasive use of the land. Unlike permanent real estate developments that often require altering the land’s structure, solar panels can be removed, and the land can return to agricultural use. For us, this project wasn’t about changing the farm but about ensuring its survival for future generations. Solar power offered a financial safety net that could help us stay in farming, even during difficult times. It wasn’t a replacement for farming, but a way to support it, keeping the land intact and operational rather than selling it off to survive.
Virginia’s energy needs are only expected to grow in the coming decades. The Virginia Clean Economy Act calls for more renewable energy sources, but those sources need space. Solar power is currently the lowest cost form of energy, and without it, we may have to rely on less sustainable energy options that could have negative effects on our land, air, water, and energy prices. These impacts could make farming even more difficult and costly. By embracing solar energy, we can meet Virginia’s energy goals while preserving our agricultural heritage.
The economic benefits of solar power extend beyond the farm. In our case, the $3.25 million in tax revenue from the solar project could have funded local schools, roads, and emergency services. Solar energy is a low-impact development that doesn’t require massive changes to infrastructure, yet it could provide much-needed funds for local programs. For us, solar wasn’t just an economic decision for the farm; it was also a way to support the broader community.
Virginia has a long history of respecting landowner rights, allowing individuals to manage their land in ways that make sense for them. When the county blocked our solar project, it felt as though that right was taken away. We weren’t asking for special treatment, just the opportunity to use our land in a way that made sense for our family, our farm, and our community. Solar power is a choice that allows us to continue farming while contributing to the community’s energy needs.
As we look to the future, I hope Virginia can find a more balanced approach to solar energy development. It’s important to include local voices and address concerns, but we also need policies that allow farmers to make choices that help them survive in today’s economy. Solar power could be the key to keeping our farms alive, preserving the land for future generations, and ensuring that Virginia’s energy needs are met. For our family and many others in the state, solar is a choice we should be allowed to make.
