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Cashing out? Farmland quality and the adoption of utility-scale solar energy

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  • Winikoff, Justin B.
  • Maguire, Karen
  • Tanner, Sophia J.
  • Deol, Suhina
  • Weilert, Trina

Abstract

As solar energy grows, so do concerns about the loss of high-quality farmland to solar development. Using a national, parcel-level analysis and multiple indices for farmland quality, this paper examines whether solar energy is more likely to be located on high-quality farmland across the United States. We find little correlation between the share of Prime farmland and solar development on parcels, but solar development was more likely on farmland that is not Prime but categorized as “Important” by state or local officials. Using three indices of farmland quality, however, we find a slight negative correlation between farmland quality and solar development. The findings suggest solar is not disproportionately sited on parcels with high-quality farmland but is more likely on farmland categorized as important for agricultural production. We discuss how institutional and regulatory factors may already limit solar on the highest quality farmland.

Suggested Citation

  • Winikoff, Justin B. & Maguire, Karen & Tanner, Sophia J. & Deol, Suhina & Weilert, Trina, 2026. "Cashing out? Farmland quality and the adoption of utility-scale solar energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:259:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026904
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Winikoff, Justin B. & Maguire, Karen, 2024. "The Role of Commercial Energy Payments in Agricultural Producer Income," Economic Information Bulletin 342468, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Deol, Suhina, 2024. "Nonpecuniary Effects Of Farming On Behavior: Evidence From Washington State Farmers With Surface Water Irrigation," 2024 Annual Meeting, July 28-30, New Orleans, LA 343721, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    3. repec:ags:aaea22:343721 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Dohlman, Erik & Maguire, Karen & Davis, Wilma V. & Husby, Megan & Bovay, John & Weber, Catharine & Lee, Yoonjung, 2024. "Trends, Insights, and Future Prospects for Production in Controlled Environment Agriculture and Agrivoltaics Systems," Economic Information Bulletin 340508, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    5. Nigel Key & Michael J. Roberts, 2009. "Nonpecuniary Benefits to Farming: Implications for Supply Response to Decoupled Payments," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 91(1), pages 1-18.
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