- August 22, 2024
- Uncategorized
- Minute Read
In the heart of Merced, California, where the golden fields stretch out under the relentless Central Valley sun, lies a story of resilience, adaptation, and innovation. Lou Myers, a third-generation farmer, knows this land better than most. His family’s roots run deep in these soils, dating back to the 1950s when his grandfather first purchased property in Merced County. The Myers family has always been tied to the land, running cattle across the expansive ranch until the passing of Lou’s grandfather nearly two decades ago.
The Myers family ranch, like many others in the region, faced its fair share of challenges. After his father passed away in the 1990s, Lou spent countless hours working alongside his grandfather, learning the intricacies of cattle ranching. Those years were formative, instilling in him a deep respect for the land and a commitment to continue the family legacy. But as the years went by, the cattle operation, though beloved, often teetered on the edge of profitability, with many seasons running in the red.
Recognizing the need for change, Lou gradually expanded the farming side of the operation, planting almond trees and other row crops that promised a more stable income. Yet, the looming threat of groundwater scarcity, exacerbated by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), cast a long shadow over the future of farming in the valley. Much of Lou’s land lay outside of water district boundaries, meaning it would be subjected to severe pumping restrictions—an amount insufficient to sustain the thirsty crops that had become a staple of the region.
Faced with the stark reality that his family’s ranch might not be able to continue as it had for the past 20 years, Lou was forced to consider a difficult question: “If my children cannot farm this property the same way, what else can we do to keep this family ranch productive?”
Determined to find a solution, Lou began exploring various alternatives. His search eventually led him to meet Dylan Dupre, a 25-year veteran of the solar industry who had spent the better part of two decades developing and installing solar projects on ranches similar to Lou’s across Central California. After thoroughly vetting the opportunities presented to him, Lou knew he had found a path forward—not just for his own family, but for other farmers facing the same challenges. This realization led Lou to partner with Dylan and form BrightSky Renewables, a company dedicated to helping landowners transform underutilized land into sustainable, income-generating solar farms.
A New Model for a New Era
BrightSky Renewables is not your typical renewable energy company. While large-scale projects like the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan aim to cover tens of thousands of acres, BrightSky takes a different approach. Specializing in small-scale renewable energy projects, BrightSky focuses on developing solar farms ranging from 20 to 150 acres on family ranches. These projects offer a unique opportunity for landowners to secure a steady, reliable income stream that often exceeds what they could earn from farming—without the use of water.
What sets BrightSky apart is its commitment to making this transition as seamless as possible for landowners. With BrightSky’s model, landowners don’t pay a penny to develop solar on their property. All development costs—including permitting, installation, and maintenance—are borne entirely by BrightSky. The landowner’s role is simple: lease the land and enjoy a fixed rent that surpasses the income generated from traditional farming.
However, this opportunity is not available to every farm. BrightSky’s ideal sites are adjacent to substations or situated on power lines with additional capacity. Unfortunately, most farms won’t qualify, but for those that do, the rewards are substantial. The lucky landowners who meet the criteria will be able to earn more money than they ever could through farming, all without using a drop of their water.
A Vision for the Future
Lou Myers’ journey from cattle rancher to solar energy pioneer is a testament to the power of adaptability and foresight farmers show time and time again. His partnership with Dylan Dupre and the creation of BrightSky Renewables offers a lifeline to farmers and landowners who, like Lou, are grappling with the challenges of a changing agricultural landscape.
BrightSky Renewables is just one example of the many innovative ideas farmers are using to adapt to the ever-changing realities of farming in the 21st century. As water becomes scarcer and traditional farming methods become less viable, solutions like BrightSky provide a way for farmers to continue benefiting from their land, ensuring that their families’ legacies endure.
As the sun sets over the Central Valley, casting long shadows across the fields, Lou looks out over his family’s ranch with a sense of hope. The land that has sustained his family for generations is entering a new era—one where the power of the sun offers not just light and warmth, but also a sustainable and profitable future. Through BrightSky Renewables, Lou Myers is helping to ensure that this legacy endures for generations to come.
