Bill > A07584

This bill establishes an Agrivoltaics Viability Pilot Program to explore and support dual-use solar energy projects that combine solar power generation with agricultural activities. The program, to be administered by a state authority in consultation with the departments of agriculture, environmental conservation, and the public service commission, will provide grants to identify best practices for solar arrays that protect soil health, utilize sustainable agricultural production, and monitor potential benefits to farms and the state. The bill defines "agrivoltaics" or "dual-use solar energy projects" as ground-mounted solar installations that simultaneously produce solar energy and marketable agricultural products, with specific requirements such as being designed with agricultural expertise, having provisions to protect agricultural land during decommissioning, and not significantly displacing farming activities. Eligible agricultural activities include crop production, animal husbandry, and livestock grazing, but explicitly exclude sheep grazing as the sole activity and pollinator habitats or apiaries as the only farming activities. The program will require developers to obtain landowner consent and follow specific standards, and the authority must submit biennial reports to state legislative leadership detailing the pilot program's results and progress.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7584