Lightstar Renewables Celebrates Successful Launch of New York's First Agrivoltaics Project

Lightstar Renewables LLC celebrated a major milestone in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy with the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Plains Road agrivoltaics project. The groundbreaking initiative, launched at the DiMartino Farm in Montgomery, New York, drew significant attention from state officials, agricultural leaders, and local media, and other local faming families marking a new chapter in dual-purpose land use that benefits both farming and clean energy production.

Representing Assembly Member Brian Maher, whose legislative support was instrumental in the project's development, was his Chief of Staff, Meghan Hurlburt. She stood alongside representatives from American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Iain Ward, Farmer, Founder, and CEO of Solar Agricultural Services, Inc. (SolAg).Together, they joined local farmers, community members, and regional media outlets who had gathered to witness the commissioning of New York's first agrivoltaics installation.

In a message crafted especially for the event, Assembly Member Brian Maher said, "Today marks a turning point for sustainable development in New York. The Plains Road project demonstrates how we can honor our agricultural heritage while meeting our clean energy goals. This is the kind of innovative thinking we need to build a resilient future for rural communities." 

Linda Garrett, New York & New Jersey Regional Director at American Farmland Trust, praised the project's alignment with AFT's Smart Solar principles. "Lightstar has created a model that truly puts farmers first. This project shows how solar development can strengthen rather than compromise agricultural operations," she said. 

The ceremony highlighted the unique design features that allow hay planting and harvesting equipment to operate seamlessly around the solar installation. The project will also add two acres of vegetable production, providing opportunities for new entry farmers while generating enough clean energy to power 466 homes annually. 

Local farmer participants expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential to enhance farm viability. Iain Ward of SolAg emphasized the agricultural benefits: "This project proves that agrivoltaics can deliver real value to working farms. We're not just installing solar panels – we're creating new opportunities for agricultural innovation." 

Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar, called on other communities to explore similar initiatives. "Plains Road is just the beginning. We encourage municipalities and farmers across New York and beyond to consider how agrivoltaics can serve their unique needs and contribute to a more sustainable future." 

Lightstar Renewables | https://www.lightstar.com/