As the United States moves toward increased energy independence and economic resilience, a growing trend known as agrivoltaics is quietly transforming farmland across the country. This approach allows farmers to continue cultivating their land while also hosting solar energy systems, providing them with a new source of income at a time when traditional farming is facing mounting challenges and shrinking profit margins.
BlueWave, a solar energy company based in the Northeast U.S., is leading the way in demonstrating how agrivoltaics can be implemented effectively. The company has developed two dual-use solar sites in Palmer and Dighton, Massachusetts, which have been operational since 2023. Together, these projects generate 5.7 megawatts of direct current (MWDC) across 34 acres. These sites now support a mix of solar infrastructure, crop production, and livestock grazing, allowing agriculture and clean energy generation to coexist on the same land.
Tom Roberts of Burgundy Brook Farm, stated, “We were approached by several solar companies that wanted to use the land solely for energy development. But partnering with BlueWave meant we didn’t have to make that kind of sacrifice. Instead, we’ve been able to keep the land in active use. Solar was introduced as an added benefit, not as a replacement. It’s helped us preserve the farm for future generations, and I hope our story shows that solar can support both agriculture and energy needs.”
BlueWave Director of Sustainable Development Jesse Robertson-DuBois, mentioned, “As a farmer myself, I have a deep appreciation for the work it takes to keep land productive and families rooted in agriculture. That’s why we approach every project as a partnership, ensuring that clean energy development doesn’t come at the cost of viable farmland, but instead helps secure its future.”
In partnership with the Roberts and Cabral families, BlueWave has shown that farmland can remain productive while also contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals. This model not only supports sustainable farming but also helps secure the financial future of participating landowners. BlueWave operates as a certified B Corporation, committed to creating positive social and environmental impacts through its business practices. Its dual-use solar development strategy is centered around working closely with farmers, landowners, and local communities to ensure that projects serve both energy and agricultural needs.
By incorporating sustainable land management techniques, the company is creating solar sites that are functional beyond energy production supporting biodiversity, improving soil health, and preserving open space. Through these efforts, BlueWave is providing a model for how solar development can benefit rural communities. These projects deliver a reliable secondary income stream for farmers, enhance economic stability, and help ensure that agricultural land remains productive for future generations.
