This Sept. 30, 2015 aerial photo provided by Cypress Creek Renewables, shows a commercial solar farm built on farmland by Cypress Creek Renewables in Catawba County, N.C.
Less than a year after New York banned fracking, dashing the hopes of farmers who had hoped to reap royalties from natural gas leases, the commercial solar industry is courting landowners for energy production.
Buoyed by Democratic Gov.
s renewable energy plan and the extension of the 30 percent federal tax credit in December, solar companies in recent months have blanketed rural areas with mailings seeking leases on farmland for solar arrays spanning 20 acres or more. While some farmers welcome the opportunity to earn up to $2,000 an acre annually for the next 20 years or so, some agricultural advisers, community leaders and lawyers are urging caution.
Categories: Solar
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