​The current planning process for "agrivoltaics" has many glaring weaknesses. The only assurance that productive farmland will remain productive is the threat of removing the solar subsidy ("adder") from the project — but even that threat appears to be watered down (see below.) No business plan is required; no evidence that the proposed operator has experience in growing the proposed crops at the proposed scale; no procedure for revising or changing the plan in case of problems. The planning boards of towns should insist on a credible farming plan, executed by experienced operators, as a condition of permit approval

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• Soil erosion. Removing soils and vegetation causes erosion, soil compaction, and changes in soil chemistry, impacting soil health and productivity and leading to potential sediment runoff from a newly-cleared site into a local watershed.​

• Pollution.  Zinc and other heavy metals are found in solar ground mount posts. Due to acidity of the soil, these metals are at high risk of leaching into the soil and bogs where our produce is grown.​

      Examples of this are in the Carver, MA cranberry bog solar project.

• ​​​Loss of Arable Land: Converting agricultural land to solar farms reduces the available space for food production, potentially leading to decreased food security, especially in regions that rely heavily on agriculture.

• Disruption of Ecosystems: Large solar installations can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and biodiversity. The construction and maintenance of these facilities may harm flora and fauna

• Water Usage: Some solar technologies require water for cooling, which could strain local water resources, particularly in arid regions where agricultural uses are already competing for limited water supplies.

• Economic Impacts: Transitioning agricultural land to solar farms can have economic consequences for local farmers, including loss of income and changes to land valuation, which can affect community stability

• Limited Space for Rotation or Rest: Agriculture often relies on crop rotation and fallow periods to maintain soil health. Large solar installations limit a farmer's ability to rotate crops or allow land to rest, which can further impact agricultural output

• Food vs. Energy Debate: The growing reliance on biofuels and renewable energy sources raises concerns about prioritizing energy production over food production, leading to potential conflicts regarding land use.

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