Stoffels owns this land, but leases it to Lightsource BP, a major solar energy developer that's 50% owned by British oil major BP. An emerging industry called agrivoltaics combines solar energy production with agricultural activities such as sheep grazing, beekeeping and crop growing. Today, the U.S. has about five gigawatts of agrivoltaic projects, encompassing more than 35,000 acres across over 30 different states. Shell is also involved in the space through its 44% stake in solar developer Silicon Ranch. While most solar developers opt to lease land, Silicon Ranch buys it outright, often purchasing degraded farmland that's no longer in production.

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Persons: Amanda Stoffels, munch, Stoffels, Lightsource, Jordan Macknick, Macknick, Lee, Tom Koranek, Becca Jones, Albertus, Katie Brigham Lightsource, Reagan Farr, Farr, Exxon haven't Organizations: Elm, BP, Lightsource, Lead, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S, U.S . Department, Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, Shell, Silicon Ranch, Ranch, Power, Chevron, Exxon Locations: Dallas , Texas, United States, Elm, Ellis County , Texas, Lightsource, U.S, Briar, Navarro County , Texas, agrivoltaics