At-A-Glance:
California farmers, facing legislative mandates to cut-back in water use, turn to solar farming as a way stay compliant with regulations, make use of land, and boost income.
Key Takeaways:
- Landowners see profits from installing solar plants on less productive acreage
- California’s $50 billion agriculture industry could help lower state’s emissions
- Over 13,000 acres have been converted into solar farms in San Joaquin Valley
Path to 100% Perspective:
California farmers are increasingly “planting” solar panels to address state-mandated cutbacks in water use – which will have a positive effect in terms of meeting goals. A report by the Nature Conservancy shows these added solar farms may help California meet its aggressive emission reduction targets. Learn more in the Los Angeles Times we’re reading entitled “California farmers are planting solar panels as water supplies dry up.”