Solar energy has become increasingly popular in New York State due to its positive environmental impact and the many benefits it offers to the community. With the New York State government targeting carbon-free electricity by 2040, the surge of solar farms demonstrates that the future of global energy will be powered by solar.
What is a Solar Farm?
A solar farm is a collection of photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, that collects solar energy and generates electricity which is then typically sold to energy companies. Solar farms exist on lands with acceptable topography, specified power lines, and in close proximity to areas with a sufficient demand for electricity.
How do Solar Farms Work?
Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight. Within each panel, semiconductors activate the solar panels to produce electricity. In solar farms, a collection of solar panels are utilized to produce massive amounts of electricity. 
What are the Benefits of a Solar Farm?
Solar farms are widely used as reliable and clean sources of energy. Solar reduces the use of fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy sources that produce harmful emissions in the air. Moreover, no pollution is generated by solar energy. By utilizing the sun’s powerful rays, solar is a reliable, eco-friendly energy alternative.
Solar farms are considered a great investment due to the guaranteed income they generate. Private developers are constantly seeking landowners to host panels on their land. In return, landowners receive large, long-term lease payments. The construction and operational expenses of solar panels are paid for by developers and land is restored at the end of the solar farm’s lifespan. Owners may also receive royalties based on the annual revenues generated.
For homeowners who are unable to physically install solar panels on their homes, solar farms distribute electricity to entire communities who wish to utilize solar energy. Additionally, community residents benefit from the new revenue generated by solar farms. As a result, local government officials are able to direct these funds towards community services and reduce tax rates.
Misconceptions about Solar Farms
A common misconception about solar farms is that they pose a significant risk to wildlife. While land is used to install solar panels, federal law requires all solar farms to install adequate fencing to protect animals in the area. Additionally, insects, birds, plantlife, and aquatic species benefit from the new habitat as water and soil quality improves. Solar farms can still be used to grow crops and raise livestock and can be reverted back to agricultural land after the solar land lease period has expired.
Although solar farms are rather large and require acres of flat land to install, the components in solar panels have no moving parts. Additionally, each panel is encased in a soundproof box that generates minimal noise from these solar farms.
Are you a landowner interested in developing a solar farm project? Reach out to YSG today to find out if your land is suitable and get an idea of how much you could make from a solar land lease. Call the office now at 212.389.9215 or send us an email to learn more. YSG is currently seeking land for solar development in the following states:
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
YSG Solar is a project development company responsible for commoditizing energy infrastructure projects. We work with long-term owners and operators to provide clean energy assets with stable, predictable cash flows. YSG's market focus is distributed generation and utility-scale projects located within North America.
Sources:
https://www.renewwisconsin.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Solar-Farm-FAQ.pdf
https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=482
Featured Photo by Derek Sutton on Unsplash.
