CROP Blog
Turning Sandy Soil Into Steady Income
Turning Sandy Soil Into Steady Income
An Indiana farmer on why leasing land for solar can protect a family farm for the next generation
Becky farms in Indiana, in a place where the land doesn’t make anything easy. “We don’t have the best of soils here,” she says. “It’s kind of sandy, very tricky.” Even in a good year, you’re at the mercy of forces you can’t control. In a bad year, you can do everything right and still come up short.
“You’re dependent on the weather,” Becky explains. “It can flood out in the spring and it gets too dry in the summer, so you never know if you’re going to have a crop, what kind of crop you’re going to have, if you’ll even break even.”
On her farm, they typically grow corn and soybeans, working a cycle that demands faith and cash up front and offers no promises on the back end.
That’s the backdrop for the decision Becky and her family are weighing now, and it’s a decision rooted less in ideology than in math.
In 2015, Becky says they were approached about the possibility of leasing their land for a solar project, if it ever came to pass. At the time, it was just a conversation. But for Becky, it planted a new way of thinking about the future of a farm that has always felt personal.
“When we bought this… it was our dream,” she says.
As they’ve gotten closer to retirement, the appeal has sharpened. Becky isn’t talking about walking away from work or abandoning the land. She’s talking about the kind of steady income that farming rarely provides, especially when costs keep rising.
“With the rent we have, we know we have a steady income,” she says. “It’ll be more than what we could net from farming and input costs are… they just keep going up, so we kind of like this.”
The logic is simple: take ground that has been “very tricky” to farm, and let it do something different for a while, something that doesn’t depend on whether spring floods or summer droughts decide the outcome. In Becky’s telling, solar isn’t a replacement for the farm’s identity. It’s a tool to protect it.
“By turning our sandy soils into the solar project we’re able to have a steady income,” she says, “and then… we know we will be able to keep the family farm and pass it on down to our children and our grandchildren.”
That’s the heart of Becky’s story: not just making it through the next season, but building a bridge to the next generation. In a business where “breaking even” can feel like a win, a predictable paycheck can be the difference between selling a dream and preserving it.
And for Becky, the dream is still the point.
Does Solar Still Work In Bad Weather?
Does Solar Still Work In Bad Weather?
Solar technology still powers the country in cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather
A common misconception about solar energy is that it only functions effectively during sunny weather. While it’s true that solar panels perform optimally under direct sunlight, they are far from useless on cloudy or rainy days. Modern photovoltaic (PV) technology can capture diffused sunlight, allowing panels to generate electricity even under overcast skies. Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, known for their cloudy climates, are leaders in solar energy adoption, proving that consistent sunshine isn’t a prerequisite for effective solar power generation. Advanced solar panels are designed to maximize efficiency, ensuring reliable energy production in a variety of weather conditions.
Another false belief is that solar energy becomes entirely ineffective during rain or snow. In fact, rainfall can help clean solar panels, removing dust and debris that may reduce efficiency. During snowy conditions, while heavy snow might temporarily cover panels, most systems are designed with an angle that allows snow to slide off. Additionally, solar panels can still produce electricity by absorbing light that penetrates through snow or reflects off its surface. Research shows that solar panels can remain productive even in extreme winter conditions, as long as they are maintained and cleared when necessary.
Misinformation about solar energy and weather overlooks the role of complementary technologies that ensure consistent power supply. Batteries and energy storage systems allow solar users to save excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours for use during cloudy periods or nighttime. Moreover, solar installations are often integrated with grid systems that draw supplementary power when production dips, ensuring uninterrupted electricity.
How Do Wind Turbines Affect the Rural Landscape?
How Do Wind Turbines Affect the Rural Landscape?
The aesthetic argument against wind turbines is subjective and often lacks perspective on the alternatives
One of the most persistent myths about wind turbines is that they ruin the rural landscape and negatively impact the natural environment. Critics often claim that these towering structures disrupt scenic beauty and harm local ecosystems. However, studies and real-world examples paint a different picture. Wind farms are typically sited after extensive environmental impact assessments to minimize disruption to landscapes and ecosystems. In many cases, farmers and rural landowners embrace wind turbines because they occupy only a small fraction of the land, allowing agricultural activities to continue largely uninterrupted. Wind energy also provides a source of income and energy that supports, rather than detracts from, rural communities.
The aesthetic argument against wind turbines is subjective and often lacks perspective on the alternatives. Fossil fuel infrastructure, such as coal mines, oil rigs, and pipelines, has a far more destructive and permanent impact on both rural landscapes and ecosystems. In contrast, wind turbines produce no emissions, require minimal land disturbance, and can be removed at the end of their operational life, leaving the land largely intact. Many people find the sight of wind turbines a symbol of progress toward a sustainable future. Communities worldwide have shown that embracing renewable energy can coexist with preserving the rural character of their regions.
The claim that wind turbines are a threat to rural landscapes also ignores their economic and social benefits. Wind farms bring significant investment to rural areas, creating jobs and boosting local economies. Communities in regions with wind energy projects often see improvements in infrastructure, schools, and public services thanks to revenue from these initiatives. Furthermore, studies show that property values near wind farms are not significantly affected in the long term, debunking another common misconception. By fostering sustainable development and revitalizing rural areas, wind turbines provide a net benefit to both the environment and local communities.
Sources: Purdue University & ACP
Are Wind Turbine Parts Recyclable?
Are Wind Turbine Parts Recyclabe?
Wind Turbines blades and other parts are recyclable
The claim that wind turbines cannot be recycled is simply false. This misconception largely arises from the complexities involved in recycling turbine blades, which are made from composite materials like fiberglass and resin. However, this challenge does not mean the components are non-recyclable. In fact, the majority of a wind turbine — including the tower and nacelle — is constructed from steel, copper, and other metals that are highly recyclable. Studies show that approximately 85-90% of a wind turbine’s materials can be reused or repurposed, making it a sustainable solution for generating renewable energy. The myth of unrecyclability misrepresents the ongoing advancements in the industry and the facts about wind turbine lifecycle management.
The issue of recycling turbine blades is being actively addressed through innovation. Companies like Veolia and Vestas have developed processes to repurpose old blades into materials for cement production or reuse them in other industries, such as construction and furniture. Additionally, new research focuses on creating fully recyclable blades using thermoplastic resins, which can be melted down and reshaped. The European Union and the United States are also investing in policies to enhance the circular economy of wind energy, encouraging industry-wide adoption of recycling practices. These efforts demonstrate that, while recycling turbine blades has been historically difficult, it is neither impossible nor ignored by the industry.
Sources: Vestas & Chemical and Engineering News
Are Subsidies the Reason for Renewables?
Are Subsidies the Reason for Renewables?
Government Subsidies are Far From the Only Factor Driving Renewable Expansion Nationwide
While government subsidies have undoubtedly played a role in fostering the growth of utility-scale wind and solar energy projects in the United States, they are far from the only factor driving their rapid expansion. Factors like advances in technology have dramatically reduced the costs of renewable energy production, making it much more cost-effective for developers and energy providers. Over the last decade, the cost of wind and solar power has decreased by more than 70%, making them competitive with and, in some cases, cheaper than fossil fuels. Businesses and utilities recognize these savings, spurring private investment in renewable projects even without subsidies.
Market dynamics are another powerful driver. Many corporations, such as Amazon and Google, have committed to achieving 100% renewable energy targets, creating strong demand for utility-scale projects. Utilities are also shifting to renewables to meet clean energy mandates set by states and to align with customer preferences for sustainable energy sources. These factors are pushing wind and solar development forward independently of government incentives.
Additionally, renewables offer reliability and long-term cost benefits that appeal to private investors. Wind and solar energy have no fuel costs, shielding them from price volatility associated with oil, coal, or gas. Combined with energy storage systems, these projects provide consistent power delivery and a hedge against future carbon regulations. Financial backing from private equity, infrastructure funds, and institutional investors highlights the confidence in renewable energy’s profitability and longevity beyond subsidy programs.
Sources: IEA & Energy Digital
Is Renewable Energy Reliable?
Is Renewable Energy Reliable?
Renewable energy in the United States has proven to be a reliable and increasingly dominant force in the energy landscape
Wind and solar power, the two fastest-growing renewables, have reached technological advancements that ensure consistent energy production. Improved weather forecasting allows for accurate predictions of energy output, and battery storage systems enable energy capture during peak production for use during lower-output periods. As of 2023, renewables generated about 23% of U.S. electricity, a share that continues to rise as the nation retires outdated and inefficient fossil-fuel plants.
The grid’s reliability is further supported by diversification of renewable sources. Hydropower, a long-standing renewable energy contributor, provides consistent baseline energy. Similarly, geothermal energy offers round-the-clock production, unaffected by weather conditions. Integrating these stable sources with variable ones like wind and solar has reduced the risk of energy shortages. Furthermore, investments in transmission infrastructure allow renewable-rich regions to share surplus power with other areas, bolstering nationwide reliability.
Sources: Clearloop & Solar Power Authority
Why Can’t We Just Put Solar on Rooftops?
Why Can’t We Just Put Solar on Rooftops?
It comes down to a cost-benefit analysis
When a potential utility-scale solar project is proposed in a rural community, many residents ask, “Why can’t we just use existing parking lots or rooftops for solar power instead of using farmable land?”
While rooftops are often suggested as an alternative to converting farmland into solar fields, they are not a viable substitute for meeting large-scale energy needs. The main challenge is the sheer scale of energy production required. Utility-scale solar farms can span hundreds of acres, generating enough power to supply entire cities. Rooftop solar, on the other hand, is inherently limited by the size, structure, and orientation of available rooftops. Even if every building in a region were equipped with solar panels, the output would fall short of the capacity needed to replace fossil fuels on a significant scale.
Another key issue is efficiency and cost. Utility-scale solar farms are designed to maximize sunlight exposure, with arrays oriented at optimal angles to capture energy throughout the day. Rooftops, however, vary in slope, direction, and shading, leading to inconsistent energy generation. Retrofitting rooftops for solar panels often involves additional costs, including structural reinforcement and maintenance, making rooftop solar less cost-effective for large-scale deployment. Moreover, the logistical challenge of managing energy generated from thousands of small rooftop installations complicates grid integration, especially compared to centralized utility-scale systems that deliver consistent output.
Lastly, rooftop solar fails to address the broader land-use strategy that utility-scale solar fields can support. Many solar farms are designed with dual-use strategies, such as incorporating pollinator habitats, sheep grazing, or other forms of agrovoltaics. This allows solar fields to coexist with agricultural and ecological functions, maintaining some of the land’s original purpose. Rooftops, by contrast, lack such multifunctional potential. While rooftop solar can be a good solution for individual households and businesses to reduce their electric bills, it cannot replace the efficiency, scale, and versatility of utility-scale solar farms.
Sources: Grist
Does Renewable Energy Use Too Much Farmland?
Does Renewable Energy Use Too Much Farmland?
Renewable Energy Only Requires a Small Amount of Farmable Land
There is a common misconception that renewable energy, particularly solar and wind farms, uses excessive amounts of farmland, impacting agriculture and food production. In reality, the land footprint of renewable energy installations is relatively minimal compared to traditional energy infrastructure and even agricultural uses. solar and wind farms occupy only a minimal portion of U.S. agricultural land. In fact, the USDA reported that in 2020, solar and wind developments used about 424,000 acres—only 0.05% of the 870 million acres of farmland available nationwide.
Solar farms, for example, are often strategically placed on lower-quality or degraded lands, minimizing competition with productive farmland. Additionally, these installations are often designed with flexibility in mind; some solar arrays are elevated to allow crops or grass for grazing animals like sheep to grow beneath them, a practice known as “agrivoltaics.” This way, solar energy can coexist with agriculture, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits both energy production and food security.
The land-use efficiency of renewables is also improving as technology advances. For example, modern wind turbines are built taller with longer blades, meaning fewer turbines are needed to produce the same amount of electricity as older, shorter turbines. Unlike other energy sources like fossil fuels, wind turbines also only use a small portion of the land on which they stand, allowing crops and livestock to continue flourishing around them.
Sources: Successful Farming, USDA
Do Solar Fields Harm The Land?
Do Solar Fields Harm the Land?
Solar Project Effects on Land, Soil, and Water
Solar farms are often seen as a sustainable power solution, yet concerns remain about whether they negatively impact land and soil health. In reality, solar fields are designed to minimize soil disturbance and often use protective measures to prevent soil erosion. For example, low-impact installation methods, such as driven pile foundations, avoid the need for concrete and reduce the impact on the soil structure. This allows natural soil processes to continue largely undisturbed. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has shown that proper site management, including practices like installing native ground cover around solar panels, can help prevent soil erosion and improve water retention in the soil, further reducing the risk of harm to the land.
Unlike fossil fuel power plants, solar fields do not produce harmful emissions or require water for cooling, significantly lowering the risk of groundwater contamination. The minimal water used in solar farm maintenance is typically for panel cleaning and is applied sparingly. Some solar farms even implement rainwater capture systems to further reduce the need for additional water. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that solar installations can be beneficial in agricultural areas by providing shade and wind barriers, which reduce water evaporation and benefit the surrounding crops and vegetation.
Solar also supports biodiversity by providing a habitat for native plants and animals. Many solar farms now adopt “pollinator-friendly” practices by planting wildflowers and native grasses that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity. Additionally, managed grazing by livestock like sheep is sometimes employed to control vegetation, which can help maintain plant health without the need for heavy machinery. This combination of pollinator-friendly vegetation and sustainable land use can have positive effects on local ecosystems. While large solar farms do alter land use, thoughtful planning and biodiversity-focused practices ensure that they not only minimize negative impacts but can also enhance soil health and support surrounding ecosystems.
Sources: National Renewable Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Are Solar Panels Hazardous?
Are Solar Panels Hazardous?
Solar Panels Are Not Hazardous to Our Health
Solar panels are generally considered safe for human health. Modern solar panels are made of non-toxic materials like silicon, which is abundant in nature and widely used in technology without adverse health effects. The encapsulation materials used in solar cells are also stable, and even if panels are broken or exposed to the environment, they pose minimal risks. According to research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), even when solar panels are damaged, hazardous substances are not readily released into the environment, ensuring low health risk during regular use and in most conditions of accidental breakage, like a hail storm. Any theories that solar panels cause cancer or other longterm chronic conditions are unproven and common misinformation.
Additionally, solar panels contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing the need for fossil fuels, which are major sources of pollution and health hazards. By lowering reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy, solar energy reduces pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that can exacerbate respiratory conditions, heart disease, and other health issues. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology highlighted that solar energy reduces airborne pollutants, which is especially beneficial in urban areas where air quality impacts health the most. This makes solar panels not only non-hazardous but also beneficial for public health by improving air quality!
Finally, the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by solar panels are minimal and well within established safety limits. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which produces far weaker EMFs compared to common household devices like microwaves or cell phones. Research published in the Journal of Photovoltaics shows that the EMF levels associated with solar installations pose no risk to human health. Overall, solar panels provide a safe, effective way to harness energy while having a positive impact on environmental and human health!
Will My Property Value Change?
What Will Happen to My Property Value?
Renewable Energy Effects on Property Values
Utility-scale renewable energy leasing, including solar farms and wind turbine installations, has increasingly become a topic of interest regarding its effects on nearby property values.
Recent studies have provided compelling evidence suggesting that these renewable energy projects do not harm property values.
Research by Loyola University found that homes located near solar farms did not experience a drop in value, contradicting the common misconception that such installations deter potential buyers due to aesthetic concerns or land use implications. Not only did the 70 utility-scale projects in the Midwest in this study not have a decrease in valuation, they actually had a minor positive effect – increasing values by 0.5 to 2%. This indicates a growing acceptance of solar energy as a viable part of the landscape!
Similarly, research from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on wind turbines across the United States, revealed that these structures in particular had minimal impact on property values. The findings showed that the economic conditions of the area and the intrinsic characteristics of the properties themselves were far more influential in determining property values than the proximity to the wind turbines themselves.
As communities move toward sustainable energy solutions, these insights offer reassurance that utility-scale renewable energy can coexist with residential development without negatively affecting property value, promoting a more harmonious relationship between energy production and community interests.
Sources: Science Direct, Solar Compass & UC Berkeley
Are Wind Turbines Bird Killers?
Are Wind Turbines Bird Killers?
The Real Impact of Wind Turbines on Bird Populations
Concerns about the impact of wind turbines on bird populations have been raised, prompting several studies. A study by the American Wind Wildlife Institute found that bird fatalities at wind turbine sites in the United States average around 2.3 birds per turbine per year. While this number may seem significant, it is relatively small when compared to other sources of bird mortality. For example, collisions with buildings and skyscrapers cause hundreds of millions of bird deaths annually, while domestic cats are estimated to kill between 1.3 to 4 billion birds each year in the United States alone. Additionally, vehicle collisions result in the deaths of millions of birds annually.
Another study conducted in the UK by the British Trust for Ornithology indicated that certain bird species, particularly those flying at turbine blade height, are more vulnerable. However, the study also noted that strategic placement of wind farms away from key bird habitats and migration paths could mitigate these impacts.
A review by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive management practices. The study highlighted successful mitigation strategies, such as using radar technology to detect approaching birds and temporarily shutting down turbines to prevent collisions.
At the end of the day, while wind turbines can impact bird populations, their contribution to overall bird mortality is relatively minor compared to other human-related factors. With strategic siting, continuous monitoring, and effective mitigation measures, the benefits of wind energy can be harnessed while minimizing its impact on wildlife.
Source: AWWI