Faces of Solar: Jeff Risley, Founder and Executive Director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America
- Solar Powers Illinois
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Key Takeaways:
Jeff Risley is the founder and Executive Director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA).
Jeff helps farmer- and rancher-landowners navigate opportunities for renewable energy to be hosted on agricultural land.
He believes landowners should learn how working with renewable energy partners can benefit them. For Jeff Risley, the connection between agriculture and clean energy is personal.
Jeff Risley understands the connection between land and clean energy firsthand. Raised on a family farm, Jeff got his start in clean energy advocacy and working with developers, communities, and landowners on siting.
Ultimately, his time working in the renewable energy industry made him realize that the people he grew up with needed someone they could trust to help them navigate clean energy development.
“I was working with a renewable energy developer and landowners on a project in Kansas when one of my clients asked a simple question,” Jeff said. "Why isn’t there a non-profit, third-party, non-partisan organization landowners can turn to for advice on renewable energy?”
Soon after that, his family was approached about leasing their farmland for a potential wind farm. He helped his parents as they decided to lease their land to the renewable energy developer. If the project is ultimately constructed, it will provide additional income for their family farm.
"It confirmed to me the need for such an organization,” Jeff said.
Following this, Jeff started the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) in January 2025. Through REFA, Jeff and his team have helped landowners decide whether to lease their land to renewable energy developers.
As declining farm profitability continues to challenge the agricultural sector, many farmers are looking for ways to diversify their revenue. The USDA forecasted the 2026 median farm income, excluding off-farm income, at -$1,161, while farm bankruptcies across Illinois have increased for the third straight year, according to Capitol News Illinois. As a result, clean energy opportunities can seem like a lifeline. For example, solar energy leases commonly generate $1,250 or more per acre annually.
Less than two years in, REFA is already helping individuals at all stages in the process of considering renewable energy as an option for their land.
"We have members that have been hosting wind projects for 20 years and are just considering repowering. We have members that are actively seeking developers for their land," Jeff said. "We have members that just want to learn more about the industry and what the opportunities are."
Future of Clean Energy
Jeff recognizes where the clean energy industry is headed.
"There’s no question the renewable energy industry is growing," he said.
The construction of data centers and the electrification of everyday life have led the world, country, and states to search for answers to satisfy the growing demand. As a result, more developers are looking for new land to lease for renewable energy projects.
"These are complicated projects, but when done right, they can be transformational for a farm or ranch in terms of additional, predictable income, and in some cases, saving family farms," Jeff said. "Don’t wait until a developer comes to town. Do community benefit planning, create objective ordinances, and educate yourself on these opportunities now."
For any farmer looking for advice regarding leasing their land to a renewable energy developer, Jeff's advice includes:
Educate yourself on leasing options.
Balance renewable energy opportunities with your unique needs for your land and operations.
Do due diligence on the developer to find a partner you are comfortable with.
If the process ever feels overwhelming and uncertain, Jeff says REFA is ready to provide guidance.
"REFA was created by landowners to help landowners with all of these things," Jeff said. "So know you have someone in your corner that can help."
