This bill amends existing legislation to authorize the construction, installation, and operation of solar energy generating facilities on preserved farmland under specific conditions. It allows landowners to either own the solar facilities, acquire them through an agreement with the installer, or have them owned by a solar energy developer under a lease agreement. The lease must include detailed provisions regarding the land's boundaries, lease duration, rent payment terms, maintenance responsibilities, and restoration requirements after the lease ends. This update reflects the growing acceptance of leasing solar panels as a viable option for landowners, which was not common when the original law was enacted in 2009.

The bill also stipulates that the energy generation facilities must not significantly interfere with agricultural production and outlines the criteria for energy capacity limits. It requires landowners to obtain approval from a designated committee before proceeding with the installation of energy facilities and ensures that no fees will be charged for the application review process. Additionally, the bill mandates that the committee consult with relevant state departments to establish necessary regulations for implementation. Overall, this legislation aims to modernize the framework for renewable energy development on preserved farmland while maintaining agricultural integrity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:1C-32.4