Local Farmers Embrace Solar to Preserve Farmland in Clark County

Landowners say Sloopy Solar Project offers chance to rest soil and generate revenue without permanently consuming agricultural land

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:50am

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A group of Springfield-area business owners and farmers, including John Wilt, Robert Agle, Deborah Hill, Mia Grimes, and Burleson Grimes, have decided to participate in the Sloopy Solar Project in Clark County, Ohio. They argue that solar energy development presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the local community, address economic challenges, and uphold private property rights while preserving farmland for future agricultural use.

Why it matters

The decision by these local landowners highlights the growing trend of farmers and rural communities embracing solar energy projects as a way to generate new revenue streams, allow their land to rest and recover, and maintain agricultural identity without permanently losing farmland to development. This approach aims to balance the community's energy needs with preserving the agricultural heritage of Clark County.

The details

Unlike permanent housing or commercial developments that consume farmland, the Sloopy Solar Project is a temporary and reversible use of the land. During the life of the solar project, the land will typically be seeded with native grasses or pollinator-friendly ground cover, allowing the soil to recover through deeper root growth, reduced erosion, and improved organic matter and structure. The solar leases also include clear decommissioning provisions requiring developers to remove equipment and restore the land for future agricultural use.

  • The Sloopy Solar Project was announced in March 2026.

The players

John Wilt

Co-owner of D&K Farm Holdings LLC, a Springfield-area business.

Robert Agle

Springfield-area business owner.

Deborah Hill

Springfield-area business owner.

Mia Grimes

Springfield-area business owner.

Burleson Grimes

Springfield-area business owner.

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What they’re saying

“Solar projects are temporary and reversible. They generate new tax revenues for schools and local governments without adding students, traffic, or new service demands.”

— John Wilt, Co-owner, D&K Farm Holdings LLC

“During the life of a solar project, the land is typically seeded with native grasses or pollinator-friendly ground cover. Roots grow deeper, erosion is reduced, organic matter increases, and soil structure improves. This land is not being 'taken out of use'; it is being allowed to heal.”

— Deborah Hill, Springfield-area business owner

What’s next

The Sloopy Solar Project is expected to begin construction in the coming months, with the solar panels operational by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

The decision by these local landowners to participate in the Sloopy Solar Project demonstrates how farmers and rural communities can embrace renewable energy development as a way to generate new revenue, allow their land to rest and recover, and maintain their agricultural identity without permanently losing farmland to other types of development.