Key Takeaways
- Doral Renewables LLC partners with American Farmland Trust to support AFT’s Smart Solar initiative
- Partnership aims to align solar energy development with farmland protection and farm viability
- Agrivoltaics to play a central role in combining agricultural production with renewable energy
- AFT will advise Doral on Smart Solar principles and community engagement practices
- Collaboration seeks to support farm families while contributing to U.S. renewable energy goals
Doral Renewables and American Farmland Trust Join Forces to Support Smart Solar Practices
Doral Renewables LLC and American Farmland Trust (AFT) have entered into a long-term partnership to promote agriculturally compatible solar energy development across the United States. The partnership supports AFT’s Smart Solar initiative, which aims to balance land preservation, farm viability, and energy development in agricultural landscapes.
With the U.S. expected to need over 10 million acres for renewable energy by 2050, and the majority of that development projected to occur on farmland, the partnership focuses on integrating solar development with sustainable agricultural use.
“Since day one, Doral Renewables’ number one principle was to ensure long-term commitment to supporting farmers and communities nationwide,” said Ed Baptista, Vice President of Development and Agrivoltaics at Doral Renewables. “Partnering with AFT only seemed like a natural step forward as we scale up our dual-use operations.”
Integrating Agrivoltaics to Promote Dual-Use Land Practices
The partnership will include a focus on agrivoltaics—the dual-use approach that combines agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land. This model allows farmers to maintain productivity while supporting environmental benefits such as soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.
Through the collaboration, AFT will advise Doral on applying Smart Solar principles, including the implementation of agrivoltaic systems and engagement with local farming communities.
“America needs renewable energy and productive, resilient farms and ranches,” said Ethan Winter, National Smart Solar Director at AFT. “Partnerships such as these are crucial for investing in the future of agrivoltaics and long-term farm viability.”
Shared Goals of Doral Renewables & American Farmland Trust: Energy Transition and Agricultural Sustainability
The Smart Solar framework developed by AFT is built on three core principles:
- Safeguard agricultural land suited for long-term production
- Strengthen farm viability through diversified income and improved resilience
- Accelerate solar energy development while maintaining agricultural productivity
Both organizations view this partnership as an opportunity to support farmers through the energy transition, ensuring that solar deployment contributes to local economies, sustainable land use, and energy resilience.
Looking Ahead: Building Networks for Dual-Use Development
Doral and AFT intend to build networks of support for implementing Smart Solar practices nationwide. The long-term goal is to ensure that solar energy and agriculture can thrive together, delivering benefits to farmers, rural communities, and the broader environment.
