From cranberry bogs to clean power—this episode is a deep dive into how agrivoltaics could change the solar industry forever.
Yarek Matacz sits down with Iain Ward, founder of Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg), to explore how thoughtful solar development can preserve farmland, support farmers, and push the renewable revolution forward. They discuss soil health, developer responsibility, and how projects can be designed to benefit both people and the planet.
If you care about sustainability, land stewardship, or where your energy comes from—this one’s a must-listen.
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🌱 Learn more about Iain & SolAg: https://solaragservices.com
Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Agrivoltaics
01:10 – Iain’s farming roots & the dream of goat-pulled wagons
02:35 – Buying a cranberry bog and getting into soil conservation
04:20 – Why solar development was getting it wrong
06:15 – The real environmental impact of dual-use projects
07:30 – Incentives in Massachusetts and New Jersey
08:40 – Fencing, livestock, and redefining project optics
11:00 – Agri-solar as a legacy and a bridge for the next generation
17:00 – What solar developers can learn from farmers
21:00 – Cost trade-offs: grading, fencing, and maintenance 24:30 – Why farmers and landowners trust SolAg
26:00 – Advocacy: Why now is the time to speak up
28:00 – Final thoughts + where to learn more