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Enhancing Community Solar Initiatives in Rural America

The recently announced partnership between Reactivate, American Farmland Trust (AFT), and Edelen Renewables Community Solar marks a significant step in promoting solar energy within rural and working-class communities across the United States. Named Farmers Powering Communities (FPC), this initiative aims to connect agricultural producers with renewable energy solutions, fostering a sustainable and economically viable future for farms and rural areas.

A Collective Mission for Clean Energy

With a combined focus on sustainability, the FPC initiative seeks not only to provide solar energy but also to ensure that these projects address the specific needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. This community-centric approach emphasizes agricultural viability, resilience, and a pathway for farm families to secure passive income through renewable energy.

The mission of FPC includes:

• - Assessing Land Productivity: The partnership will evaluate the productivity and versatility of lands suitable for solar installation while also considering agricultural needs.
• - Advancing Agrivoltaics: By integrating solar development with agricultural practices, FPC aims to promote innovative methods that allow for simultaneous farming and energy production.
• - Delivering Local Energy Solutions: The initiative focuses on providing energy solutions that yield direct savings for households, nonprofits, and small businesses in underserved communities.
• - Creating Jobs: By emphasizing workforce training and local job creation, the partnership fosters economic growth within the communities it serves.

Statement from the Leaders

Nathan L'Etoile, National Farm Viability Managing Director at AFT, emphasizes the partnership's significance: _“This is a game-changing new partnership that centers the needs of agricultural communities in the development of renewable energy projects.”_ The integration of AFT's data and mapping tools ensures projects align with Smart Solar principles, guaranteeing positive outcomes for rural communities.

Utopia Hill, CEO of Reactivate, explains that the collaboration underscores the commitment to the land: _“As owners of our energy projects, we understand long-term stewardship and the importance of maintaining the agricultural viability of the land.”_ He believes that leveraging combined strengths can help reduce energy costs while creating tangible economic benefits for farmers and rural residents.

Nathan Cryder, Managing Partner of Edelen Renewables Community Solar, adds another layer of insight regarding the potential of solar energy in rural America, stating, _“FPC is about common-sense problem-solving—helping farmers stay on their land, reducing energy costs for families, and ensuring the clean energy truly lifts the communities that need it most.”_

A Sustainable Future

Reactivate brings a wealth of experience as FPC's exclusive developer, given its proven record in community-focused clean energy solutions. Initially, the partnership will concentrate its efforts in regions where the twin demands for farmland preservation and clean energy are most pressing. They have plans to announce their first projects later this year.

The launch of this initiative not only represents a move towards enhancing energy resilience in communities but also plays a critical role in the broader fight against climate change by engaging agricultural sectors.

FPC's work is expected to foster economic growth through energy savings and job creation, steering rural America towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

For further details and updates on the initiative, you can visit Farmers Powering Communities and follow their LinkedIn page.

About the Organizations

• - Reactivate is an Invenergy company dedicated to developing renewable energy solutions focused on community benefits, economic development, and job opportunities.
• - American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a national organization that advocates for farmland preservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
• - Edelen Renewables Community Solar specializes in developing solar projects that prioritize social impact and community welfare.

This partnership aligns with a growing movement towards integrating renewable energy into farming and rural development, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change and energy inequities.