News from the Field
January 29, 2026
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Community & Local Issues
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Clark County commissioners unanimously oppose 1,900-acre solar project despite state approval process.
Clark County passes resolution to oppose 1,900-acre solar energy project
Dong • 1/21/2026
Ohio
What it is:
- County passed resolution opposing Invenergy’s Sloopy Solar project citing agricultural preservation concerns
- Developer applied to state board for approval less than a month ago
- Resolution claims project incompatible with rural character and local land use patterns
Why it matters:
- Shows potential conflict between willing landowners and local government opposition to renewable projects
- Highlights tension between county preferences and state-level approval authority that could affect future projects
What’s next: State board will decide on project approval despite local opposition.
REFA’s Perspective: This situation shows how local opposition can complicate renewable energy opportunities even when landowners want to participate. While community concerns deserve respect, farmers should retain the right to make their own decisions about their land. Understanding these approval dynamics helps landowners navigate potential challenges and advocate for their choices.
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Property Rights & Policy
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Court ruling limits landowner options for agrivoltaic solar projects.
Agrivoltaics- Where Technology and Agriculture Meet, or Do They?
Dean Reynosa • 1/21/2026
Pennsylvania
What it is:
- Pennsylvania court ruled that sheep grazing under solar panels doesn’t qualify as agriculture for zoning purposes
- 25-acre agrivoltaic project was denied because solar was deemed the primary use, not farming
- Ruling affects areas where zoning restricts non-agricultural uses but doesn’t specifically address solar or agrivoltaics
Why it matters:
- Landowners may lose dual-income opportunities from combining solar and agriculture on the same land
- Projects must now rely on explicit municipal solar ordinances rather than agricultural exemptions
- Sets precedent that could influence similar zoning disputes nationwide
What’s next: Landowners should consult attorneys before pursuing agrivoltaic projects in areas without specific solar ordinances.
REFA’s Perspective: This ruling highlights why REFA fights for clear, landowner-friendly policies that protect your right to maximize property value through renewable energy. While disappointing, this decision shows the importance of working with municipalities upfront to establish proper ordinances that recognize agrivoltaics as a legitimate land use. Don’t let unclear zoning language limit your opportunities – get legal guidance early and advocate for policies that support your property rights.
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Solar Development
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Wisconsin farmers could gain new income streams through community solar legislation.
Our Sun Our Power: Farmers, WI businesses, energy experts, face off against monopoly utilities at Ag Cmte hearing on community solar legislation
Wisconsin Press Releases • 1/22/2026
Wisconsin
What it is:
- Assembly Bill 493 would authorize community solar programs allowing multiple customers to subscribe to shared local solar projects
- Wisconsin Assembly Agriculture Committee held hearings with broad farmer and landowner support
- Utilities are heavily lobbying against the bill despite 79% voter support statewide
Why it matters:
- Creates new revenue opportunities for farmers and landowners hosting solar projects
- Could save subscribers up to 10% on electricity bills while providing grid improvements
- Fifth-generation dairy farmer says community solar could help his family stay on land farmed since 1961
What’s next: The Agriculture Committee will decide whether to advance AB 493 for further legislative consideration.
REFA’s Perspective: Expanding landowner rights to participate in energy markets while creating real income opportunities is a great idea. It’s important Wisconsin farmers demand the right to benefit from renewable energy development on their own terms. Landowner empowerment and renewable energy go hand in hand.
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Grady County commissioners may extend solar development restrictions affecting landowner income opportunities.
Grady County commissioners weigh solar farm moratorium extension as deadline nears
Abraiya Ruffin • 1/22/2026
Georgia
What it is:
- County held public hearing on extending 30-day solar farm permit moratorium
- Community divided between those opposing solar farms and those supporting tax revenue potential
- Silicon Ranch developers attended meeting promising transparency on environmental and economic impacts
Why it matters:
- Moratorium directly restricts landowners’ ability to lease property for solar development and generate income
- Sets precedent for how local governments can limit renewable energy opportunities on private land
What’s next: Commissioners will decide on moratorium extension at their February 3 meeting after gathering more information.
REFA’s Perspective: This situation perfectly illustrates why landowners need strong advocacy when local governments consider restricting renewable energy development. While community input matters, landowners deserve the right to make informed decisions about their own property and benefit from clean energy opportunities that provide steady income and help preserve working lands.
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Agrivoltaics study reveals key strategies for farmer success with solar.
Study Explores Attitudes and Barriers to Agrivoltaics
Tracy Mumma • 1/25/2026
Maryland
What it is:
- University of Maryland researchers studied agrivoltaics attitudes in Montgomery County, where solar and farmland preservation clash
- Found that framing agrivoltaics as farmland preservation tool improves public acceptance
- Identified policy barriers including grid access, permitting delays, and siting restrictions
Why it matters:
- Better public framing could reduce community opposition to your agrivoltaic projects
- Policy improvements could make agrivoltaic development faster and more accessible for farmers
- Clear decommissioning requirements protect your land long-term
What’s next: Policymakers may implement reforms to expand grid access, streamline permitting, and clarify decommissioning requirements for agrivoltaic projects.
REFA’s Perspective: This research gives farmers the playbook for successful agrivoltaic development – frame it as farmland preservation, not just solar development. The study confirms what we know: farmers need streamlined permitting, fair grid access, and ironclad decommissioning protections. Agrivoltaics represents a powerful opportunity for farmers to generate solar income while keeping land in agricultural production.
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Minnesota county opens door for solar farm expansions and new projects.
Solar farm expansion potentially coming to Big Lake Township after Sherburne County vote; Ordinance amendment opens door for other solar farm
Dong • 1/25/2026
Minnesota
What it is:
- Sherburne County unanimously amended its solar farm ban in Big Lake Township
- Existing solar farms can now expand and neighboring landowners can apply for new projects
- All proposals still require Planning Commission approval
Why it matters:
- Landowners near existing solar farms gain new income opportunities
- Shows how local policies can evolve to benefit rural property owners
What’s next: Planning Commission will review future expansion and new solar farm requests on a case-by-case basis.
REFA’s Perspective: This unanimous county decision shows how persistent advocacy can create new opportunities for landowners. The measured approach – allowing expansions and adjacent development while maintaining oversight – protects both landowner interests and community concerns. It’s a model for how counties can balance renewable energy growth with local control.
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Solar developer returns unused leased land to farmers for continued agriculture.
Split-rail solar project to potentially be completed by May
William Carroll, Editor • 1/26/2026
Missouri
What it is:
- Split-Rail solar farm in Warren County nearing May completion after testing phase
- Invenergy releasing parcels not needed for project back to landowners
- County commissioners involved in finalizing ground lease modifications
Why it matters:
- Shows how solar partnerships can preserve farming operations when developers release unneeded land
- Demonstrates importance of landowner engagement in lease negotiations and project modifications
What’s next: Final parcel releases and project commissioning expected by early June.
REFA’s Perspective: This shows how solar partnerships can work right when developers respect farming operations. The land release process demonstrates why strong lease terms matter and how engaged landowners can maintain control over their property decisions throughout project development.
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Solar farms don’t cause brush fires, Virginia incident confirms.
Solar farm wasn’t cause of 400-acre Mill Swamp brush fire, officials s…
Stephen Faleski • 1/20/2026
Virginia
What it is:
- 400-acre brush fire burned near Isle of Wight County’s largest solar farm
- Fire and rescue officials confirmed solar equipment was not the cause
- No damage occurred to the 1,750-acre Cavalier solar farm
Why it matters:
- Addresses landowner safety concerns about hosting solar projects
- Demonstrates effective fire response protocols protect both solar assets and surrounding property
What’s next: This incident may inform future fire safety protocols for solar developments.
REFA’s Perspective: This incident reassures landowners that solar farms are safe neighbors that don’t create fire hazards. The developer’s quick response and cooperation with emergency services shows responsible operations that protect both the solar investment and surrounding properties, which matters for landowners considering solar lease opportunities.
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