Agrivoltaics as a method for critical ecosystem preservation: Introducing ecovoltaics
Recognizing the challenge of solar expansion competing with valuable agricultural land, Sandbox Solar and Colorado State University are collaborating to research how thoughtful utility-scale solar design, specifically utilizing the ecovoltaics strategy, can simultaneously produce clean energy and enhance American grassland ecosystems.
Agrivoltaics for sorghum and soybeans
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that shading from agrivoltaic systems reduces grain numbers in both sorghum and soybean, but sorghum can partially compensate by increasing grain weight while soybean cannot. The study shows that sorghum and soybean respond differently due to their physiology, offering guidance for crop selection and management to minimize yield penalties in agrivoltaics.
Solar provides predictable income stream for farms
Solar farm leases provide stable, predictable income that helps financially secure family farms and boosts rural tax revenues with minimal land impact, said a report from the SEMA Coalition.
New York awards $7 million for co-located solar and farming
Grant funds were administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to demonstrate the efficacy of agrivoltaics.
Vesper Solar 600 MW Texas project shows how an agrivoltaics mindset can unlock prime sites
Developer Vesper Energy engaged local land owners on pollinator mixes and sheep grazing for its Hornet Solar project.
Cadmium telluride vs. crystalline silicon in agrivoltaics
Canadian researchers investigated how the transparency of cadmium telluride and crystalline silicon solar panels affects lettuce growth in agrivoltaic systems. They found that 69%–transparent silicon panels increased lettuce yield by 3.6%, whereas cadmium telluride panels led to a reduction in yield.
Uncovering attitudes towards agrivoltaics via community engagement
An American research group has conducted a pilot workshop for agrivoltaics stakeholders in Arizona, including farmers, developers, government officials and indigenous leaders. A reflection paper offers some key takeaways for future public participation.
Vertical solar and strawberries: How California farmers are harvesting cash and crops
California farmers face mounting economic pressures, including high electricity prices. Do agrivoltaics offer a solution?
Pivot Energy and CU Boulder break ground on 5 MW solar project
The university will source electricity from the Weld County, Colorado project via a virtual net metering project.
How agrivoltaics can alleviate Washington’s mounting agricultural, energy pressures
An in-depth study looked at the varying facets within Washington’s agriculture industry to determine how and where agrivoltaics can be best implemented to help meet the state’s energy needs and provide financial support to the state’s agriculture industry.
