The recent ASGA webinar, held in partnership with SEIA, explored community engagement as a strategic priority for solar projects, particularly as permitting becomes more competitive and public scrutiny increases. The discussion highlighted how agrivoltaics can demonstrate that solar and agriculture can coexist, while offering meaningful benefits to farmers and rural communities. Participants covered best practices for engaging neighbors, local officials, landowners, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, from early permitting through long-term site operations.
The webinar also discussed practical approaches for building community support, including public events, site tours, media storytelling, and direct stakeholder relationships. The speakers emphasized the value of farmers and graziers as authentic voices in community engagement, supported by tangible, site-specific information such as soil health data, grazing outcomes, and economic benefits.
What does the research show about community support for agrivoltaics?
Research suggests that agrivoltaic projects can increase support for solar development. Many farmers are open to hosting solar when agricultural activities can continue, and nearly half of farmers with concerns about solar identified solar grazing as a meaningful mitigation. Agrivoltaic practices can help build community support for solar development by demonstrating how solar and agriculture can coexist.
How can developers communicate the benefits of agrivoltaics effectively?
Visual examples, site tours, and direct relationships with farmers and graziers can make agrivoltaic projects more tangible and credible to communities. Developers can highlight outcomes such as continued agricultural production, soil health, biodiversity, and multiple revenue streams for landowners, while framing agrivoltaics as a land-use solution rather than a conflict between solar and agriculture.
What role can farmers and graziers play in community engagement?
Farmers and graziers can be effective ambassadors for agrivoltaics by sharing their experiences with neighbors, agricultural organizations, community members, and policymakers. Authentic, site-specific stories can build trust and provide a local perspective that complements broader project messaging. Staying engaged, building relationships, and participating in community conversations can also create opportunities for future solar grazing projects.
What are some best practices for engaging with communities?
Effective engagement starts early and continues throughout the project lifecycle. Developers and agricultural partners can use community meetings, public events, site tours, educational outreach, and direct conversations with stakeholders to demonstrate how solar and agriculture can coexist. Tailoring the message to the local community and supporting personal stories with tangible evidence can make these efforts more meaningful and effective.