Farm communities thrive …
when farmers thrive.
We work with communities to help farmers explore agrivoltaics — innovative ways to mix farming with renewable energy.
Agrivoltaics
Creative intermixing of agriculture and solar power generation
A way to save farms. Farmers can earn 10x on electricity, compared to most crops, giving them a way to preserve their farms for future generations.
Arrays and farm equipment can co-exist. Single-axis trackers are placed into “hail mode,” standing vertically, and arrays are slightly spread out, allowing space for tractors to work the land.
Many high-value crops prefer partial shade. Examples include broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, radishes, and beets. Herbs like mint, parsley, and chives also tolerate partial shade.These plants reach a “saturation point” for sunlight and thrive with partial protection from the sun, especially in areas that are hot or dry.
Expanding production. Intermixing solar with agriculture can help farmers bring marginal land into production by reducing the need to irrigate.
Soft on the land. Arrays can be mounted on pilings, without concrete, allowing the farmer to plant close to supports, and making it easier to remove the arrays at the end of their life (generally, over 20 years).
Farm look and feel. If they are designed with care, we believe agrivoltaics can be attractive to a community, a natural extension of the farm in modern times.
A Network of Research and Power Stations
To advance research and innovation, we are developing a network of facilities across the U.S.., starting with a standard plan and adapting the plan as needed.
Design Features
A buffer of trees surrounds the facility. A walking path guides visitors on tours. An event barn fosters conversation and community. Solar zones allow testing of different agricultural approaches. A control area helps measure the solar array’s effects. Panels are single-axis, at normal or slightly elevated heights, like large solar farms but more visually pleasing. Battery backup, rain collection and drip irrigation systems will be added as needed.
“We don’t have 20 years to research agrivoltaics. Our society — and farmers in particular — can benefit from them now.”
GOALS
Rapidly investigate a variety of agricultural and solar approaches, examining yields, energy generation, water consumption, soil condition, community perceptions, etc. Encourage creativity, experimental thinking and rapid innovation.
Share best practices with farmers; help them create their vision and take action, integrating solar with food production. Collaborate with other researchers across the world in crafting a research strategy and building a database to support farm innovators.
Save money on existing utilities. We look for existing, contiguous electrical loads and organizations that have large utility budgets to offset.
Generate significant amounts of energy. Show that this works at scale (20-100 acres) not just as a demonstration project. Attract partners who can develop larger projects based on what the community learns and desires.
Make it attractive, feeling like a farm. Create a gathering place where people can learn and collaborate. Show that agrivoltaics can be beautiful if designed with care. Help to shape public perceptions of agrisolar by showing what’s possible when it’s done with community in mind.
