Lightstar Renewables has celebrated the launched its first agrivoltaics project in Montgomery, New York. The project adds to the benchmark set for dual land use in the state. The Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project, located at DiMartino Farm started construction in late 2024 and finalized in August 2025.
Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project site integrates solar panels with hay production and vegetable farming. Lightstar partnered with Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg) to design the layout. This ensures traditional farm equipment can operate seamlessly under and around the solar arrays. Two acres have also been set aside for vegetable crops and for a new entry farmer.
Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project Factsheet
Location: DiMartino Farm, Montgomery, NY
Developer: Lightstar Renewables
Partner: Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg)
Land Use: Hay cultivation, 2 acres for vegetables, access for new farmer
Policy Support: Town of Montgomery bylaw amendments
Guidelines: American Farmland Trust Smart Solar principles
Energy Output: 466 homes powered annually
Rated Capacity: 3.2-3.6 MW (DC)
Site Area: 16-acre plot
Construction Start Date: Late 2024
Assembly and Installation of racking systems, solar modules: Spring 2025
Project Launch: August 2025
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: September 2025
Community Impact of Lightstar Renewables Plains Road Project in New York
The Town of Montgomery played a key role by amending its by-laws to allow agrivoltaic installations. Adjustments were also made on panel height, setbacks, and lot coverage to accommodate farming needs. The project also aligns with the American Farmland Trust’s Smart Solar principles which emphasize on protection of farmland, farmer benefits, and community input.
Energy Impact of Lightstar Renewables Plains Road Project in New York
The system will generate enough clean electricity to power about 466 homes annually. While modest in scale, Plains Road is also a significant model for future dual-use projects.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony held in September 2025 state leaders and agricultural groups highlighted the project’s importance as a pilot for wider replication. Lightstar Renewables also positions the Plains Road Agrivoltaics Project as a foundation for expanding agrivoltaics across New York and beyond.
Other Agrivoltaics Installations in New York
New York also has other solar installations that feature sheep grazing under solar panels, and community farming around the installations. Examples of this include the and the 22 MW solar project by Pivot Energy & GreenSpark in Upstate NY.
Lightstar also has other projects in the state such as the Cream Street community solar project in Poughkeepsie.
