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Harnessing Solar Power on Pennsylvania Farmland: Balancing Energy Growth with Agricultural Preservation

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Case Study

Pennsylvania, a leader in fossil fuel-based energy and agriculture, is experiencing rapid growth in utility-scale solar due to state policies, federal incentives, and rising corporate demand for clean energy. As of 2024, 19 solar facilities are operational, with many more planned on agricultural land, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Solar leases provide farmers with significant income, but concerns remain about farmland displacement and the long-term return of land to agriculture. While agrivoltaics, allowing farming alongside solar panels, offers a potential solution, it is still uncommon in Pennsylvania. Solar expansion raises questions about land use, local economies, and aesthetics, alongside the need for clearer regulations on decommissioning solar sites. Despite these challenges, Pennsylvania is set for substantial solar growth, with utility-scale projects expected to dominate new solar capacity nationwide by 2050.

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