Why Okovate Calls Maryland Home - Our Mission to Put Farmers First
Rooted in Maryland Agriculture
Maryland isn’t just where Okovate is headquartered. It’s where our mission began. With its rich farmland, diverse commodity markets, and strong agricultural community, Maryland offers the perfect foundation for a company dedicated to making solar serve farmers first.
At Okovate, we believe the future of farming and energy should not be in conflict. That’s why we’re based in Maryland, working alongside farmers to pioneer agrivoltaics as a tool for resilience, profitability, and preservation of farmland.
Why Maryland?
- Agricultural Diversity: From the Eastern Shore’s poultry and grain farms to Western Maryland’s cattle operations, the state represents the full spectrum of U.S. agriculture.
- Policy Leadership: Maryland has emerged as one of the nation’s most supportive states for agrivoltaics, with state-level initiatives designed to keep land in farming.
- Farmer Heritage: Generations of family farms anchor Maryland communities and we believe it is essential to protect these legacies.
Our Mission: Farmer-First Agrivoltaics
Okovate was founded on a simple principle: Solar should support farming, not replace it.
That means:
- Preserving Land Use: Farmers get continued land access to keep grazing, planting, and harvesting their land while having solar.
- Adding Income, Not Replacing It: Lease payments provide oppertunites to build farm income on top of current operations.
- Building Resilience: Solar can reduce crop stress, protect livestock, support pollinator habitats and offset operation costs.
- Ensuring Fair Deals: With the farmer first approach we’re setting the standard for transparency and fairness in solar partnerships.
Our Commitment to Maryland Farmers
Okovate isn’t here to impose a one-size-fits-all model. We listen first, design second. That’s why our projects are tailored to each operation:
- Row crop farmers: Custom panel layouts that keep equipment paths clear and plan for crop rotations.
- Livestock operations: Grazing plans that reduce stress on animals and support land health.
- Poultry farms: Shade and income options that complement existing production goals.
- Specialty growers: Integration with shade-tolerant crops and pollinator programs.
Looking Ahead
Maryland is only the beginning. By building our foundation here, we’re creating a model that can spread nationwide, proving that solar and farming can thrive side by side. Our mission is to preserve farmland, protect farmer livelihoods, and bring new opportunity to rural communities.
If you’re a farmer whose curious about how agrivoltaics could fit your operation, we’d love to start a conversation. Because at Okovate, your farm comes first.
