A silent revolution known as agrivoltaics is spreading throughout American farmlands as the nation strives for greater economic stability and energy independence. With growing obstacles and diminishing earnings, farmers are negotiating a challenging and ever-changing environment. With the help of agrivoltaics, farmers may continue to feed their communities for many generations to come, diversify their sources of income, and remain firmly established on their property.
One of the top solar developers, owners, and operators in the Northeastern United States, BlueWave, is demonstrating the effectiveness of this business and establishing the benchmark for solar installation.
Operating since 2023, these two locations in Palmer and Dighton span 34 acres and provide a combined 5.7 MWDC of electricity. Today, agriculture, animals, and solar panels coexist together on the land. In order to help the Roberts and Cabral families guarantee their financial futures and maintain their farms in agricultural use, BlueWave has teamed with them.
“We were approached by several solar companies that wanted to use the land solely for energy development,” stated Tom Roberts of Burgundy Brook Farm. “But partnering with BlueWave meant we didn’t have to make that kind of sacrifice. Instead, we’ve been able to keep the land in active use. Solar was introduced as an added benefit, not as a replacement. It’s helped us preserve the farm for future generations, and I hope our story shows that solar can support both agriculture and energy needs.”
BlueWave is dedicated to utilizing its company as a force for good as a recognized B Corp, creating sustainable energy solutions that put people, the environment, and long-term impact first. Beyond only producing clean energy, BlueWave’s dual-use solar development strategy is based on working together with farmers, landowners, and local communities to make sure projects satisfy both environmental and agricultural objectives. Through the use of sustainable land management techniques, BlueWave develops solar sites that are genuinely versatile. These initiatives provide farmers and landowners with an extra revenue stream, provide economic stability, and contribute to the preservation of land for future generations.
“As a farmer myself, I have a deep appreciation for the work it takes to keep land productive and families rooted in agriculture,” stated BlueWave Director of Sustainable Development Jesse Robertson-DuBois. “That’s why we approach every project as a partnership, ensuring that clean energy development doesn’t come at the cost of viable farmland, but instead helps secure its future.”
