Doral Renewables has entered into a long term collaboration with American Farmland Trust (AFT) aimed at aligning solar energy development with the needs of agricultural communities. The agreement will support AFT’s Smart Solar initiative, an approach to solar development that prioritizes maintaining farmland, sustaining agricultural operations and promoting clean energy production without displacing food production.
As the United States pursues an ambitious transition to renewable energy sources, more than 10 million acres of land will be required to meet federal renewable energy goals by the year 2050. Approximately 80% is expected to be sited on agricultural land. This growing overlap between clean energy and farming is bringing into focus the need for solutions that allow both land uses to coexist productively.
AFT is a national nonprofit organization committed to protecting agricultural land, promoting effective land management practices, and ensuring that farmers are able to continue working their land, With the expansion of the Smart Solar initiative through this partnership, AFT and Doral plan to support efforts that maintain long term farm viability while facilitating the growth of domestic solar energy infrastructure.
Smart Solar Principles to Guide Land Use Strategy
The initiative centers around a set of core principles that AFT has developed to guide solar development in a way that serves agricultural and energy interests simultaneously. These principles focus on safeguarding land with high agricultural value, improving the economic outlook for farm families and scaling up solar energy development in ways that do not undermine food production.
AFT’s Smart Solar framework emphasizes the importance of planning and transparency in solar siting decisions, community involvement and innovative approaches such as agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics refers to the dual use of land for both agricultural and solar energy purposes. By integrating solar panels into farmland settings, landowners can continue to cultivate food and fiber while also generating electricity.
“Since day one, Doral Renewables’ number one principle was to ensure long term commitment to supporting farmers and communities nationwide by providing farmer-friendly energy development that maximizes their land-use, diversifies their revenue stream, drives economic development and allows them to return to heritage farming practices by focusing on food production in their farms.”
Agrivoltaics as a Path Forward
Agrivoltaic systems are being recognized as a promising way to keep land in agricultural use even after solar infrastructure is installed. These systems are designed not only to allow for simultaneous energy and crop production, but also to improve environmental outcomes. Benefits can include improved soil carbon retention, enhanced biodiversity, better water management and more hospitable habitats for wildlife.
As part of the partnership, AFT will serve in an advisory capacity, helping Doral implement agrivoltaic designs based on the Smart Solar principles. This includes guidance on engaging with local farming communities and integrating best practices for land management and community collaboration into each stage of project development.
Also read: Tripartite Agreement Signed to Establish Beej Anusandhan Kendra in Gujarat
“American Farmland Trust’s partnership with Doral Renewables is an exciting step forward with an industry player with a large presence across the country, America needs renewable energy and productive, resilient farms and ranches. Partnerships such as these are crucial for investing in the future of agrivoltaics and long term farm viability.”
Balancing Energy Needs and Agricultural Futures
As solar energy infrastructure expands across rural regions of the country, conflicts can emerge over the use of land. The partnership between Doral and AFT reflects a growing awareness that these tensions can be addressed through thoughtful planning and mutual benefit.
Rather than choosing between energy and agriculture, the Smart Solar approach proposes a future in which both can progress together. Doral and AFT aim to continue building regional and national networks that support this balance, bringing together developers, farmers, conservationists and local stakeholders.
This collaboration signals a shift in how solar development projects are planned and implemented placing agriculture at the center of the conversation rather than treating it as an obstacle. With the backing of AFT’s technical knowledge and community networks, and Doral’s ongoing commitment to dual-use project models, the partnership may serve as a framework for future efforts that aim to unify sustainability in both food and energy sectors.
The shared goal is a landscape where solar energy and agriculture not only coexist, but also support one another in building stronger, more resilient rural communities.