June’s Grazing with Cam discussed updates on solar Grazing in the Midwest. Camren was joined by Lewis Butler (TotalEnergies), who provided a solar industry perspective on agrivoltaics adoption, project development timelines, and the departments most relevant for grazier outreach. Following the discussion from Camren and Lewis, participants were able to participate in an open forum discussion.
What Encourages Developers to Adopt Agrivoltaics?
Lewis and Camren discussed several factors that can help move agrivoltaic projects forward, including customer requests for agrivoltaic components in corporate RFPs, state policies that incentivize agrivoltaics during permitting, and landowners who value continued agricultural use alongside solar development. Speakers also emphasized that operations and maintenance (O&M) teams are often the most effective point of contact for graziers seeking vegetation management contracts.
How Can Graziers Build Relationships With the Solar Industry?
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to connect with solar developers and operators. Rather than relying solely on cold outreach, speakers encouraged graziers to attend state and regional solar industry events, where face-to-face conversations can help establish relationships with the individuals responsible for vegetation management decisions.
What Should Graziers Know About Solar Development Timelines?
Solar projects often take five or more years to progress from land acquisition to a site ready for grazing. Permitting, interconnection delays, construction, and community opposition can all extend project timelines, making patience and long-term relationship building important parts of developing a solar grazing business.
Why Are Community Solar Projects a Good Opportunity for Graziers?
Community-scale solar projects can provide an excellent entry point for new and expanding solar graziers. Their smaller size allows producers to gain experience, refine grazing strategies, and build relationships with developers while staying closer to their home operations. As community solar continues to expand across the Midwest, these projects are expected to create a growing number of opportunities for grazing contractors.