Agriculture

Massachusetts Dairy Farmer Chooses Solar Over Walmart Sale, Securing Weekly Lease and Cutting Power Costs

By TOI World Desk

George Hunt Jr., a dairy farmer in Massachusetts, decided to lease an 11‑acre parcel of his land to a solar developer instead of selling it to Walmart. The site became part of a 3‑megawatt solar array that supplies electricity to the city of Lowell. Hunt receives a lease payment of $1,000 a week, which provides a steady income while he retains ownership of the property.

Prior to the ground‑mounted project, Hunt installed solar panels on the roof of his barn. The rooftop array supplies power for the farm’s daily operations—pumping water, cooling milk, running milking equipment and lights. In 2015, the system nearly eliminated the farm’s $1,400 monthly electricity bill and even generated a small refund for electricity sent back to the grid.

The decision was influenced by Massachusetts’ solar incentives, including renewable energy credits and state program targets that encourage development. Hunt worked with solar consultant Bill Jordan, who helped identify a federal grant that had been overlooked. Jordan returned the payment Hunt offered for his work after the original contractor agreed to prepare the grant application.

Hunt’s farm already diversifies its income through activities such as selling firewood, hay and local real estate. The solar lease adds another reliable revenue stream, which is valuable given the fluctuating prices farmers receive for milk. The rooftop panels also reduce a major operating expense, improving the farm’s financial resilience.

Hunt has expressed satisfaction with the outcome, referring to himself as a “sun farmer.” He plans to install additional panels on other buildings, including an indoor sports arena, to supply electricity to nearby tenants and further reduce their energy costs.

The project demonstrates how a piece of land that is unsuitable for conventional crops can still contribute to a farm’s income, the local energy supply and the family’s long‑term plans.