Expanding Solar Power In Rural & Working-Class Communities - CleanTechnica

The article discusses a new partnership called Farmers Powering Communities (FPC), formed by Reactivate (an Invenergy company), American Farmland Trust (AFT), and Edelen Renewables Community Solar. FPC aims to install 500 MW of community solar power within five years, focusing on rural and working-class communities, particularly farmers and ranchers. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between food production and clean energy generation by developing distributed solar projects that support local economies, reduce energy costs, and enhance grid resilience. These community solar projects typically range up to 5 MW and are designed to fit rural land characteristics, often preserving farmland for future agricultural use. Reactivate specializes in renewable energy solutions that benefit working-class communities burdened by high energy costs, offering economic, social, and environmental advantages. Community solar allows residents with electric bills to subscribe to locally generated solar power, increasing consumer choice and competition in the energy market. The partnership builds on AFT’s Smart Solar℠ network, which emphasizes