Key Takeaways:
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony held at DiMartino Farm in Montgomery, New York
- New York’s first agrivoltaics installation allows farming and solar energy to coexist
- Project designed to support hay production, vegetable farming, and clean energy generation
- Local leaders and organizations including American Farmland Trust and SolAg participated in the event
- Project will generate enough renewable energy to power 466 homes annually
Lightstar Renewables Launches Plains Road Project
Lightstar Renewables LLC has inaugurated the Plains Road agrivoltaics project at DiMartino Farm in Montgomery, New York. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local farmers, state officials, agricultural organizations, and community members, marking a step forward in combining agriculture and renewable energy on the same land.
Community and Legislative Support
The event included remarks from Meghan Hurlburt, Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Brian Maher, who supported the project’s development. In a prepared message, Maher stated, “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.”
Linda Garrett, Regional Director at American Farmland Trust, highlighted the project’s adherence to Smart Solar principles, noting, “Lightstar has created a model that truly puts farmers first.”
Agricultural and Energy Benefits
The design of the Plains Road project enables hay planting and harvesting equipment to function alongside the solar panels. In addition, two acres of vegetable production will be established, creating opportunities for new farmers. The installation is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 466 homes annually.
Iain Ward, CEO of Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg), emphasized the agricultural benefits: “This project proves that agrivoltaics can deliver real value to working farms.”
Looking Ahead
Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar Renewables, encouraged other communities to consider similar projects. “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.”
