Bill · H.R. 10605· House(119-HR-10605)
SUNRAY for Energy Act
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Sorensen
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the SUNRAY for Energy Act, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to study and research agrivoltaic systems, which combine solar energy and agricultural production on the same land. It directs the Department of Agriculture to incorporate a formal definition of agrivoltaic systems into various federal programs, including conservation, risk management, and tax credits. The legislation mandates a comprehensive study on the regional compatibility of livestock and crops with solar panel designs, followed by a 5-year plan and a report to Congress. Additionally, it establishes a network of research and demonstration sites across different agricultural zones to investigate agrivoltaic systems. Finally, the bill requires the creation and regular updating of publicly available guidance on best practices for protecting soil health and productivity when solar energy systems are placed on agricultural land.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would farmers be better off under this?+8
The bill provides farmers with dedicated research, demonstration sites, and best practices to combine agricultural production with solar energy, increasing profitability and protecting soil.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The legislation mandates best practices for protecting soil health, water management, and biodiversity during solar energy projects on agricultural land.
Does this invest in rural communities?+7
The legislation directly supports rural communities by researching agrivoltaic systems to increase agricultural profitability and economic resilience.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The legislation authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out agrivoltaic provisions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(b) and Section 2(c) mandate studies, research, and demonstration sites to investigate agrivoltaic systems. This could benefit farmers by identifying ways to increase agricultural productivity, profitability, and economic opportunities in rural communities while simultaneously producing solar energy on the same land.
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Section 2(b)(1)(H)(v) assesses how to develop agrivoltaic systems in a way that reduces nonfarmer ownership of farmland. This may help protect independent farmers and keep agricultural land in the hands of those who actively farm it.
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Section 3(a) requires the development and public posting of national and regionally relevant guidance on best practices for protecting soil health and water management during all phases of solar energy projects on agricultural land. This helps farmers and landowners protect their soil and maintain land productivity over the long term.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d) authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the agrivoltaic provisions. This creates a financial cost that will ultimately be borne by taxpayers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Rural Development+7Increases Renewable Energy Investment+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+6Improves Public Land Management+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+8Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Business Owners+5Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Young Adults+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Improves Economic Growth+4Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.