MAINE PUBLIC • February 21, 2025
A proposed rule that would require solar companies to pay a state fee in order to place panels on agricultural land took a step forward Thursday. State agricultural officials and the Board of Environmental Protection say the proposed fee is aimed at balancing competing land uses. If implemented, solar companies would have to pay a compensation fee to the DEP in order to develop on what is assessed as 'high-value agricultural farmland.' The Department of Agriculture estimates that roughly 13% of Maine land would be have this designation.