Solar Developer Purchases Raboin Farm in Lowell
MHG Solar acquired the 27-acre Lowell property after outbidding a local offer intended for agricultural conservation.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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In 2023, MHG Solar successfully purchased the Raboin family farm located on Route 100 in Lowell. The firm outbid a $165,000 cash offer from local resident Mike Tetreault, who had sought to acquire the land for agricultural conservation purposes.
Why it matters
The acquisition reflects a shift in land use as MHG Solar plans to install energy infrastructure on the parcel. The sale highlighted a divide between private development interests and local efforts to preserve farmland.
The property sale involved a 27-acre portion of a 44-acre total parcel. The land was listed for $250,000, significantly higher than the town assessment of $94,000.
The players
MHG Solar
This is a renewable energy developer that focuses on the installation and management of utility-scale solar generation infrastructure.
Mike Tetreault
He is a local resident who attempted to purchase the farmland to prevent its conversion for industrial or energy-related use.
The details
MHG Solar secured the land by submitting a deposit after it was listed for sale, effectively blocking the Tetreault family's attempt to keep the site for farming. The company now plans to install less than 5 megawatts of solar panels on the property, which is situated with access from Route 100.
Timeline
The Raboin family farm was listed for sale during 2023.
Culture Shift
This land sale reflects the ongoing tension between preserving traditional agricultural landscapes and the rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure. Such shifts often challenge established rural land-use norms and local expectations for heritage property maintenance.
Residents in the area near Route 100 may notice a transition from agricultural fields to solar energy installations as the project proceeds. The development process remains subject to local regulatory requirements involving input from community participants.
The takeaway
Communities facing similar land-use changes often require early engagement with developers to navigate regulatory processes effectively. Balancing green energy goals with local agricultural preservation remains a primary challenge for regional planning authorities.
Further reading
Learn more about local food and land use in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcax.
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Should your local government prioritize protecting farmland over approving new solar energy projects?
