Farmers Clash Over Solar Expansion on Oregon Farmland

Agrivoltaics project divides community as some see it as vital for renewable energy while others fear it will harm wildlife and land

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:34am

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A proposed agrivoltaics project in Oregon's Linn County has sparked a heated debate between neighboring farmers Dave Rogers and John Langdon. Rogers, who runs a wildlife sanctuary on his land, opposes the project, citing concerns about damage to the local ecosystem and bird populations. Langdon, on the other hand, sees the solar development as a way to supplement his family's farm income and invest in more sustainable farming practices. The conflict has divided the local community, with some supporting Rogers' conservation efforts and others backing Langdon's embrace of renewable energy technology.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing tensions between renewable energy expansion and farmland preservation, as well as the complex trade-offs involved in balancing environmental concerns, economic realities, and community interests. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how future agrivoltaics projects are approached in Oregon and beyond.

The details

The proposed Muddy Creek Energy Park project, developed by Hanwha Qcells, would cover 750 acres of farmland with solar panels. Farmer Dave Rogers, who has converted much of his own land into a wildlife sanctuary, is leading the opposition, arguing that the project would harm local bird populations and disrupt the natural ecosystem. His neighbor, John Langdon, has agreed to lease his family's land to the solar company, seeing it as a way to supplement his farm's income and invest in more sustainable practices like growing Oregon wild rice. The two farmers have known each other for years, but their differing views on the project have strained their relationship.

  • Hanwha Qcells submitted its notice of intent to file an application for the project in 2023, sparking public backlash.
  • In early 2024, the state of Oregon responded with requirements needed for a formal application, giving Hanwha Qcells a year to submit an official application.
  • Hanwha Qcells has requested and received an extension, and now has until May to submit its official application for the project.

The players

Dave Rogers

A farmer in Linn County, Oregon who has converted much of his land into a wildlife sanctuary and is leading the opposition to the Muddy Creek Energy Park project, citing concerns about harm to local bird populations and the natural ecosystem.

John Langdon

A farmer in Linn County, Oregon who has agreed to lease his family's land to Hanwha Qcells for the Muddy Creek Energy Park project, seeing it as a way to supplement his farm's income and invest in more sustainable farming practices like growing Oregon wild rice.

Hanwha Qcells

A Seoul-based solar energy company that is developing the Muddy Creek Energy Park project, a 750-acre agrivoltaics project in Linn County, Oregon.

Friends of Gap Road

A registered PAC and "informal association of ten local landowners" that is raising money and supporting local candidates to oppose the Muddy Creek Energy Park project.

Troy Jones

The director of Friends of Gap Road, the group leading the opposition to the Muddy Creek Energy Park project.

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What they’re saying

“There's still that same love of the beauty of Oregon—forest, beaches, and farmland—that we're trying to retain here.”

— Troy Jones, Director of Friends of Gap Road

“This is not their business. It's our property.”

— John Langdon, Farmer

“We know very little because there has been almost no published research on it.”

— Lee Daniels, Professor Emeritus of Soil Science, Virginia Tech

What’s next

Hanwha Qcells has until May to submit its official application for the Muddy Creek Energy Park project. If the application is approved, the project would move forward, but Friends of Gap Road has vowed to "fight like hell" to stop the development.

The takeaway

The battle over the Muddy Creek Energy Park project highlights the complex trade-offs between renewable energy expansion and farmland preservation. As more farmers consider agrivoltaics, this dispute could set an important precedent for how such projects are evaluated and approved, balancing environmental concerns, economic realities, and community interests.