A solar farm is an array of photovoltaic panels that convert the suns energy into electricity. They are placed in large areas ideal for capturing solar energy, on land often leased from local landowners and farmers.
Solar farms are the backbone of any community solar program, and may be also referred to as solar gardens, photovoltaics, power stations, or arrays. They are essentially power plants that generate electricity from the sun and are typically located on a rather flat field in rural
areas, giving rise to the name, ‘solar farm’.
If you have driven by a large field with rows of solar panels on steel poles, you may have caught a glimpse of a solar farm, but typically they are deliberately hidden from view through plants or other natural features. Many solar companies choose to plant pollinator-friendly and indigenous vegetation underneath and around the panels to promote the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Care is also taken to protect waterways and other critical environments. Lately, the use of sheep or other agricultural animals to manage vegetation naturally is becoming more common, as solar developers seek ways to build solar sustainably, and in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Usually, the field is leased from a farmer for 20 to 30+ years and is a small portion of their total land. The income from leasing their land helps farmers diversify their revenue
streams, maintain operations, or even keep the farm in the family. Smaller community solar farms can also be found on rooftops, in parking garages, or other public structures, but this is less common.