A Breakthrough Year for Agrivoltaics at Sol Systems
Blog |
By The Sol Systems Team
2025 marked a pivotal year for agrivoltaics—the practice of simultaneously using land for both solar energy generation and agricultural purposes—at Sol Systems.
Our teams have been focused on understanding and demonstrating how solar infrastructure can complement agriculture. This year, that work accelerated across our portfolio, advancing a vision where clean energy and productive land use operate hand in hand.
At our Prairie Creek project, we launched sheep grazing to support vegetation management while providing a secondary revenue stream for local producers.
At our Eldorado site, we also planted Kernza®, a deep-rooted perennial grain, creating one of the largest row-crop agrivoltaics projects in the country. Kernza® is a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. Unlike annual grains like wheat, which must be replanted each year, Kernza’s deep roots stay in the ground year after year, reducing inputs and tillage, protecting soil health and water quality, and capturing carbon deep underground.
Our research partnerships continue to deepen, too. Through ongoing collaboration with the American Farmland Trust, we enhance our understanding of soil health, land restoration, and long-term ecological impacts of solar development. Together, these efforts helped us better evaluate how strategically designed solar infrastructure can restore land, support farm operations, and generate lasting community value.
As we look ahead to 2026, Sol Systems is entering the next chapter of this work. In the coming year, we will harvest and process our first Kernza crop, marking a significant milestone in the economic and environmental potential of perennial grains on solar sites. We also will establish new specialty-crop pilot plots in collaboration with FoodWorks, enabling the production and distribution of fresh produce grown directly on our sites. These pilots will help us design models that support local food systems while maximizing land productivity.
Clean energy infrastructure has the potential to deliver long-term value for the communities and landscapes where we operate. The progress we made this year brings us closer to that future, and we look forward to expanding this work in 2026 and beyond.
Deep Roots Farm: Equitable Pathways to Regenerative Farming
Blog |
By Henry Yusem
Sol Systems (Sol) is proud to support Deep Roots Farm through the Sol Profit Share initiative. This program has allowed solar energy system owners participating in Sol Systems’ Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) aggregation solutions, including homeowners, businesses, and institutions, to choose a Sol Profit Share contract. With this contract, customers have received a guaranteed fixed payment per SREC, and they’ve also shared additional profits when SREC prices increase. Additionally, Sol donates 5% of the net Sol Profit Share profits to non-profit organizations that support renewable energy access and sustainability efforts. Previous recipients of Sol Profit Share include DC Greens and A Farm Less Ordinary.
With the 2024 proceeds from the Sol Profit Share initiative, Sol is supporting Deep Roots Farm’s work serving under-resourced communities in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, MD with sustainably grown produce.
A Dual Mission
Deep Roots Farm is a Black woman-owned and operated farm located in Upper Marlboro, MD that is focused on practicing regenerative, holistic, and humane agriculture. The farm uses regenerative farming techniques to help both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. By farming in a conscientious manner, they are able to regenerate topsoil, promote biodiversity, and conserve water, improving the resilience of local food systems.
In addition to implementing sustainable farming practices, Deep Roots Farm supports local communities by providing fresh produce and creating educational opportunities for people who may not have access to otherwise. Residents in the greater DC area can buy produce from Deep Roots Farm at local farmers' markets or through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA provides members with weekly baskets of seasonal goods while giving farmers steady income and stronger connections with the community. Deep Roots Farm donates any unused CSA produce to local organizations.
To further their educational impact, Deep Roots Farm offers tours to local school groups to teach them about regenerative agriculture. In the future, the farm plans to offer trainings on sustainable farming techniques to cultivate the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. Deep Roots Farm is one of the just 1.4% farms in the United States which are Black owned and is working to introduce more BIPOC individuals to farming.
Taking Action
Deep Roots Farm plans to use their Sol Profit Share funding to insulate their barn for the winter, decreasing the farm’s monthly energy consumption—one of the highest monthly expenditures for the farm—, simultaneously lowering its climate impact and increasing its cost savings. Grant opportunities to offset higher electricity prices are sparse due to the cancellation of the US Department of Agriculture’s “Climate Smart” program. Sol’s donation provides an alternative source of funding to help Deep Roots Farm minimize this impact and continue to work on their sustainability projects.
To learn more about how Deep Roots Farm is practicing sustainable agriculture and impacting their community, please visit their website at: https://www.deeprootsfarm.us/.
Building Community: Tilden Families Gather for a Day of Creativity and Learning
Blog |
By The Sol Systems Editorial Team
On June 12, the Tilden Village Hall hosted a cheerful and engaging birdhouse painting event that brought together children, families, and local volunteers for a morning of creativity and learning. Organized by Sol Systems, the owner of the Tilden solar project, with support from its construction partner McCarthy and the Tilden Public Library, the event aimed to involve youth from the Tilden and Sparta areas in a fun, hands-on activity while introducing them to the themes of renewable energy and land stewardship.
More than 30 children took part, painting wooden birdhouses that will be installed along the fenceline in and around the local solar project. They also learned how small actions—like providing shelter for birds—can make a positive impact on the environment. Designed to be simple and low-maintenance, the birdhouses served as a creative gateway to discussions about solar power and its connection to the natural world. Sol Systems team members prepared and tested the kits in advance to ensure they were ready for little hands.
Parents, grandparents, and volunteers joined in, creating a warm, intergenerational atmosphere. Pizza was shared, laughter filled the library, and children left with brightly painted birdhouses and big smiles.
The success of the event was evident in the enthusiastic response from the community. Many families expressed interest in future events, and the library noted the strong turnout. Plans are already underway for a possible follow-up event this fall.
A Farm Less Ordinary: At the Intersection of Inclusion and Sustainability
Community Impact |
By Nathan Amer
Sol Systems (Sol) is proud to partner with A Farm Less Ordinary (AFLO) through our Sol Profit Share initiative. This program allows solar energy system owners participating in Sol Systems’ Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (“SREC”) aggregation solutions, including homeowners, businesses, and institutions, to choose a Sol Profit Share contract. With this contract, customers receive a guaranteed fixed payment per SREC, and they also share additional profits when SREC prices increase. Additionally, Sol donates 5% of the net Sol Profit Share to non-profit organizations that support renewable energy access and sustainability efforts.
With the 2023 proceeds from the Sol Profit Share initiative, Sol is supporting AFLO’s work in the Washington, DC area, where they provide opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) through community-supported agriculture.
A Personal Story Turned Mission
AFLO was founded in 2016 by Greg Masucci and Maya Wechsler, inspired by their experience raising their son, Max. Max, who is nonverbal and autistic, motivated Greg and Maya to envision a future where individuals like him could lead fulfilling, independent lives beyond the age of 22, when school services typically end. In search of a safer, happier environment for Max and his siblings, the family moved from Washington, DC to Bluemont, VA, in 2014.
AFLO was born out of their desire to provide meaningful work and a sense of community for people with ID/DD. Today, the farm offers employment opportunities that help bridge the gaps in services and opportunities that individuals with ID/DD often face.
The Challenge for Individuals with ID/DD
In the United States, individuals with ID/DD face numerous challenges once they age out of educational and support services at 22. Employment opportunities are scarce, and many face barriers related to transportation and housing. In Loudoun County, VA, for instance, only 37.3% of residents with cognitive disabilities aged 18-64 are employed (2019).
Historically, people with disabilities lacked basic protections under U.S. law. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not offer protection for individuals with disabilities, the enactment of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1973, and later the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, began to address these inequities. The lack of employment opportunities and support services can lead to social isolation and negatively impact mental and physical health. Despite these protections, challenges remain, and AFLO is working to help fill the gap.
Empowering Through Farming
From its humble beginnings, AFLO has grown into a two-location farm using organic growing methodologies and no chemical pesticides. They offer both employment and empowerment for its staff of "Growers"—local adolescents and adults with ID/DD who are the heart of AFLO’s mission. These Growers gain practical job skills, such as seeding, transplanting, and harvesting, while also developing social skills and physical coordination through tasks like weeding and planting, supporting a booth at markets, and sales. Evidence increasingly supports this concept known as "Green Care”, which suggests that working in nature improves health and mental well-being.
Community Impact and a commitment to growth
AFLO’s impact goes beyond the farm, benefiting the broader community. Growers contribute to local food security through its Community Supported Agriculture program, farmers markets, and donating thousands of pounds of food to local area food banks. Growers also take pride in bringing home a weekly share of the fruits of their labor, which provides healthy food and a tangible reminder of the rewards that reinforce their value and hard work. While a significant portion of AFLO's funding comes from donations and grants, their sales model directs at least 25 cents2 of every dollar generated back to the Growers’ paychecks, further underscoring their role as primary beneficiaries. By the end of 2024, AFLO could give 31 cents of every sales dollar directly to the Growers.
In addition to feeding, socializing, and educating their community, AFLO embraces a variety of organic and sustainable practices, uniquely situating themselves at the intersection of inclusion and sustainability. They plant cover crops, use rotational gardening, and practice polyculture by growing produce alongside herbs and flowers to attract beneficial insects. AFLO has blossomed by experimenting with and creating value-added products such as pickles, cut flowers, and an array of jams and jellies, fostering new kitchen and food safety skills and enabling year-round production and employment. These efforts generate a multiplier effect, extending the positive benefits of the farm’s work throughout the community.
With support from the 2023 Sol Profit Share funding, AFLO plans to expand their winter growing program, allowing more greenhouse gardening and increasing the available work hours and number of Growers on site. For many of the Growers, their work at AFLO is their primary source of socialization, income, and physical activity, making the farm’s growth even more impactful.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Sol is committed to supporting organizations like AFLO that create economic and social opportunities for their communities. By choosing the Sol Profit Share contract, customers have helped make this partnership with AFLO possible, advancing Sol’s mission to enable community impact through infrastructure and local collaboration.
To learn more about how AFLO is driving sustainable farming and positive change throughout their community, please visit their website at: https://www.afarmlessordinary.org/.
Fostering Community Connections: A Conversation with Rebecca Halford, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Sol Systems
Community Impact |
By Adaora Ifebigh
Rebecca Halford is Sol Systems’ Senior Director, Community Engagement where she leads teams to develop community engagement strategies for renewable energy projects and ensures inclusive stakeholder participation. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy and climate strategy, Rebecca's career includes senior roles at AES Corporation where she led stakeholder relations in the WECC region, and at Clean Energy Collective where she managed education and engagement for community solar projects.
I hope you enjoy learning how engaging communities on infrastructure projects fosters trust through consultation and communication, influencing their success and sustainability.
How did you begin your career in renewable energy, and what do you find most rewarding about this work? What motivates you in your role as Senior Director for Community Engagement?
Before getting into solar energy, I owned a small real estate brokerage in Albuquerque, NM that specialized in land development. I had a small team, and the market was robust. However, with the onset of the Great Recession, the financial landscape shifted dramatically; banks halted lending, and my business struggled. Despite the economic downturn and numerous business closures, I noticed solar was taking off. As people began to seek energy independence and take advantage of tax incentives, I discovered an opportunity that enabled me to present to small groups like real estate brokers, teaching them about the value of rooftop solar, and showing them how they could access solar energy incentives for their homes. From this role, I transitioned to community solar and then into utility-scale solar development.
My motivation has always been rooted in the desire to share the benefits of solar energy and educate communities about the advantages of transitioning to clean energy. A former colleague used to say, “This is homegrown energy,” highlighting the local pride associated with creating energy from within communities. I am passionate about forming connections, conveying the positive impacts of solar projects, and nurturing relationships to become a trusted partner in the process.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is celebrating the completion of a project. These projects require extensive time and effort, from introducing project ideas to the community and developing plans for local benefits, to realizing the impact through community programs. Knowing that our team has contributed to long-term positive change through our programs is incredibly fulfilling.
Sol Systems is a renewable energy firm dedicated to accelerating America's clean energy future and investing in local communities. What role does community engagement play at Sol Systems, and how does the community engagement team collaborate with other teams to ensure the successful development and construction of solar projects in local communities?
The Community Engagement Team plays a key role within Sol Systems, working with almost all the teams at Sol from the earliest stages of project development. Our development teams rely on us to assess opportunities and identify partnerships in the communities where we intend to develop or purchase early-stage projects. We keep track of our projects to understand the community feedback around a new infrastructure project. We work with the policy team to understand regulatory frameworks that impact solar development. Our partnership with the construction team ensures that the community's experience with the project is well-managed, addressing questions and concerns and keeping residents informed about construction timelines. Whether it’s the social and economic benefits, or during construction when it can be a little bit stressful or disruptive for a short period of time within a community, we represent the community and ensure that our teams hear their voice as we go through the different phases of a project.
The Sol Systems’ Impact Team is a valuable and unique partner as we establish relationships with communities at the beginning of a project. We provide a bird’s eye view of the community needs that could translate into future economic benefits for the community once the solar projects are operational. The community engagement team’s earliest efforts shape our relationships and the impact-driven initiatives that we establish post-construction.
Some communities are passing laws to ban new renewable energy projects, while others are enacting laws to prevent local governments from doing so. How is your team navigating these challenges and working with communities to advance the clean energy transition? How do you address concerns or resistance to clean energy projects within these communities?
Engaging with communities allows the developer to understand the community’s philosophy and interest in large scale infrastructure projects. This engagement highlights the various roles within the community and how the local government is structured. By meeting people where they are—whether at townhalls, community fairs, or school meetings—we gain insight into what matters to the community and explore possibilities for collaboration.
I don't view moratoriums and ordinances for renewable energy projects as roadblocks. Instead, moratoriums can provide small governments with the opportunity to establish guidelines that ensure projects meet community needs. Outright bans on infrastructure projects can be complex, but we remain hopeful that our team can meet with the community leaders, build relationships and try to have conversations about infrastructure projects respectfully. Successful solar projects and the economic benefits that come from such projects in neighboring communities may help to lessen concerns from communities that are debating whether to pass an ordinance against solar projects or not.
Ultimately, our goal is to show communities that we support their self-determination and aim to be a long-term, reliable partner.
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with the communities where Sol Systems’ projects are located? What are the benefits of these partnerships in addressing challenges facing both the industry and these communities? What challenges have you encountered in fostering these partnerships, and how have you overcome them?
Building strong relationships begins with understanding the community's values and priorities. For example, on a recent trip to Kentucky, I met with community members and local government officials to learn about their community values—agricultural programs, education, and energy mix to name a few. Rather than imposing an agenda, we work with community contacts to identify and support initiatives that align with local values. These early connections are crucial, and their impact endures beyond project completion. Communities recognize that we listened to their needs and delivered on our commitments, which fosters trust and long-term collaboration. Once the project is complete, those early connections prevail.
We recognize there can be some opposition to renewable energy projects in any community, particularly when driven by misinformation. As we build partnerships and become a trusted advisor in the community, we want to provide them with the education needed to counter the misinformation. Our role is to empower communities with facts and build lasting trust.
With economic concerns being top of mind for many Americans, are there any policy changes or industry trends influencing your team’s community engagement approach? Do any of these give you confidence that authentic engagement can lead to economic development and land stewardship, addressing community concerns about utility-scale projects while ensuring benefits for all and leaving no communities behind?
The energy communities’ provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a tremendous opportunity to maximize the project impacts. Since the legislation passed two years ago, we have worked to leverage its benefits in our communities. Understanding the intricacies of the IRA and engaging in open dialogue with local officials allows us to maximize community benefits. On a recent trip to Champaign, IL, the Economic Development Director, expressed interest in funding to build out transmission in the state which would create new jobs and economic benefits for the community. Our Infrastructure + Impact approach ensures that solar projects benefit communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. This includes initiatives related to the importance of diligent land stewardship, pollinator-friendly solar certifications, and research into the benefits of native perennial vegetation around solar project sites. Recently, Sol Systems executed an agreement with American Farmland Trust (AFT) that focuses on Smart SolarSM initiatives. Smart SolarSM, a concept service created by AFT, outlines principles to minimize the environmental impacts of solar developments while enhancing ecosystem-focused practices at solar sites. Over 2,000 acres of land from the projects that Sol Systems will develop in the next four years will participate in a research partnership with AFT to test soil health and assess the impact of beneficial vegetation.
The mission of the IRA, the growing momentum in the renewable energy sector and the interest in building deep community partnerships gives me confidence that while economic concerns remain top of mind and should be important to many Americans, we have the tools to build a clean energy economy that works for everyone.
Whether it's Illinois or Louisiana or anywhere else, we prioritize these types of partnerships and want to make sure that we return the land in the best condition possible. The IRA, the renewable energy sector's momentum, and our commitment to deep community partnerships instill confidence that we can build a clean energy economy that benefits everyone while addressing economic concerns.
Is there anything important we haven't discussed that you'd like to share with us?
Reflecting on the industry since I joined in 2010, I am continually inspired by the rapid evolution and growth in community engagement practices. Over the past decade, community engagement has become a priority with most development firms and seeing that evolution has been rewarding. We strive to build great projects and strong relationships, which help mitigate community opposition or navigate regulatory challenges.
We also aim to collaborate effectively with communities, ensuring that our efforts are valued and that we respect and integrate their values. At Sol, the emphasis on community engagement is evident in how our team’s contributions are appreciated across the company. This affirmation of our work demonstrates Sol Systems’ commitment to building meaningful relationships and identifying pathways for progress.
From Vision to Impact: Sol Systems’ Journey Towards a Community-Focused Clean Energy Economy
Community Impact |
By Adaora Ifebigh
In the three years following our inaugural Power Purchase Agreement announcement with Microsoft in 2020, we have significantly expanded our commitment to invest in under-resourced communities and climate change-impacted communities. This groundbreaking strategy started with 5 community organizations in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. In 2023, we concluded the year by supporting 15 community impact organizations across the Eastern Seaboard of the United States backed by funding and support from two additional corporate customers, Google, and Gas South.
Leaning into Sol Systems’ focus on a “Pathway to Solarization” especially for under-resourced communities, our partnerships have been instrumental in creating community-centered programs that promote clean energy access, facilitate critical home repairs for energy efficiency, and bolster education and workforce development programs that provide wraparound services for program participants. These initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive support to participants. We shared our journey, lessons learned, and opportunities at various events throughout the year, collaborating closely with our partners, industry experts, and federal agency representatives.
Sol Systems Community Impact Engagement Series
The Sol Systems Community Impact Engagement Series hosted two significant webinars. The first, "From IRA to BIL – Available Funding to Accelerate Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Equitable Workforce Development," offered insights into funding opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The second webinar, "Reducing Energy Burden: Enabling Access to Solar and Resiliency through Pre-Weatherization and Energy Efficiency," showcased our integrated approach to ensuring universal clean energy access.
Industry Partner Events
A key highlight was our participation in the Rural Renaissance Roadshow, organized by Groundswell, Inc., in Northwest Arkansas. This event brought together rural energy practitioners to discuss the future of local clean energy, innovative partnerships, and funding for rural community programs.
Joined by our partners, Appalachian Voices, and Aiken Electric Cooperative, we hosted a session, “The Power of Partnerships: Leveraging Scale for a Successful Community-Centered Clean Energy Development,” which emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving impactful community-centered clean energy projects.
A Rewarding Journey
Since launching our first-of-its-kind impact initiative, our journey has been filled with learning experiences and achievements, affirming our dedication to making clean energy accessible to all, especially for under-resourced communities. Celebrating the solar installation at the City of Refuge in Baltimore, a faith-based organization that supports families and individuals on their path out of a crisis with Groundswell in October was a memorable and rewarding moment. This event symbolized the tangible impact of our collaborative approach to expanding access to clean energy in communities where it is needed the most.
New Partnerships
While continuing our commitment to nurturing early career exposure to the clean energy industry, we fostered a new partnership to support middle and high schools in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia. To date, over 20 teachers have participated in the KidWind training to implement renewable energy curriculum in their classrooms, and it is estimated that over 64,000 students will be impacted by this curriculum over time. Furthermore, we strengthened our relationship with electric cooperatives, who provide services to 92% of the counties in the United States facing persistent poverty. This was achieved through a targeted initiative in the Carolinas, designed to "close the pre-weatherization gap" by addressing essential health and safety home repairs in over 100 homes across the region producing an estimated 604 MWh of energy savings, $74,000 of electricity cost savings per year, and over 400 MT of CO2 avoided.
Future Possibilities
Inspired by Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go," we are excited about the future possibilities. Our ongoing and new partnerships, especially around our solar project sites, promise even greater impacts in the years to come. We look forward to the journey ahead, committed to expanding our community impact and fostering an equitable transition to a clean energy economy.
