Massachusetts farmer put solar on 11 acres; lease pays $1,000 a week
In a noteworthy decision, a Massachusetts dairy farmer chose to lease an awkwardly shaped land parcel rather than sell it to Walmart. By installing rooftop solar panels, he not only drastically reduced his electricity costs but also generated income from the lease. The land now hosts a solar array providing renewable energy to his community, showcasing a sustainable model for other farmers…
A Massachusetts dairy farmer, George Hunt Jr., turned an unsuitable 11-acre patch of land into a solar farm, generating a weekly lease income of $1,000 while keeping his farm intact. Hunt originally considered selling the land to Walmart, but instead, decided to lease it for solar development, taking advantage of Massachusetts' solar incentives.
His decision stemmed from the property's difficult terrain and its potential for generating income through renewable energy. Before expanding the solar project, Hunt had already installed solar panels on the roof of his barn, which significantly reduced the farm's monthly electricity bill. With this success, he felt confident in investing in a larger solar array that provided energy to the city of Lowell and yielded a substantial lease payment.
The solar farm allowed Hunt to maintain his dairy farming while creating an additional revenue stream, making up for the inconsistent income in dairy farming. The project also inspired other farmers in the area to explore solar opportunities, with Hunt connecting them to solar consultant Bill Jordan, who aided in securing federal grants.
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