Solar Energy and Innovative Agriculture This week, Ben Wilson of the Energy Right team had the opportunity to participate in a multi-disciplinary workshop and conference focused agrivoltaics: the dual use of agriculture and solar energy generation facilities. Hosted at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus, this event brought community members of all types, ranging from nonprofit organizations from Central Appalachia to Planning Commissioners from Central Virginia, to researchers from the Virginia coast. The workshop provided an opportunity for discussions regarding the future of agriculture and solar development. The message of this conference is clear: it takes a village to grow a place for solar energy within a community, and the more in support of it—government officials, community members, farmers, industry representatives, academics, and so on—the stronger and healthier that plan can be. If we continue to innovate in this space, we can continue to realize these benefits and generate even more for the future. Ben notes, “In our work across the commonwealth, we routinely hear concerns regarding the use of agricultural land for the development of solar. This workshop gave people from all different perspectives the opportunity to discuss ways to address this concern in the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Continue the conversation with us here: https://bit.ly/4dmCJlj
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New Post: Wyoming project to integrate solar power and agriculture: “Agrivoltaic” The elevated photovoltaic panels can actually improve grazing conditions, a novelty that could help make solar projects more land-efficient and accepted in the ranching-heavy state. https://buff.ly/3TebSjX
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We’re excited to support Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s agrivoltaics pilot project with $17,500! This innovative study will explore the benefits of combining solar energy with managed grazing at their Custer, WI property. When successful, this project could pave the way for more solar alongside farming in rural areas, improving soil health, protecting water quality, and boosting farm profitability.
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This is a great article about solar agrivoltaics projects with sheep grazing in Wisconsin. I love it when solar projects are dual-use with the land. The aerial view of a project in the article is from one of my two sheep grazing projects in the state over the last year. One statistic I heard while touring sheep grazing solar sites while at the recent NABCEP conference was that over 60% of sheep consumed in the US is imported. We're already seeking energy independence. Why not seek sheep independence as well... #solarenergy #agrivoltaics #sheepgrazing #renewableenergy
How sheep could be a key to Wisconsin’s solar energy future
captimes.com
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On #WorldBeeDay, it's only appropriate to recognize the unique value that thoughtful, innovative utility-scale solar installations can bring for bee populations across the environment Clean energy and saving the bees, who says no to that? https://lnkd.in/gnvq5R8C
Here's how utility-scale solar farms may just help save the bees
https://electrek.co
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Agrivoltaics combines two things I’m passionate about: renewable energy and #agriculture! National Renewable Energy Laboratory research shows how dual-use systems—where #solar panels share land with crops or livestock—can transform #farms and communities. We’ve worked with some amazing partners through our Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program to make projects like these a reality. Check out our new Agrivoltaics 101 resources to see what we’ve learned and explore this opportunity!
Clean Energy to Communities Agrivoltaics 101 Resources Provide a Guide Toward Implementation
nrel.gov
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“We believe Indiana farmers can lead the way in #sustainable agriculture, with solar energy playing a critical role in that future.” – Jeremy Lipinski, managing partner, Emergent Solar Energy. Congratulations to the Purdue Research Park-based company as it has installed more than one megawatt of onsite #solar capacity across Indiana pork farms in the last 12 months. “These projects are helping Indiana’s pork producers cut energy costs by an average of 90% while collectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,148 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year,” Lipinski said. Read more: https://bit.ly/3YV9BM5
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Long-Term Success Powered by Solar: Meet Dwight Dial, an Iowa farmer whose solar energy system is helping ensure year-to-year profitability on his farm. By bringing his energy home, Dwight is building a legacy of stability for future generations - just like large-scale projects provide for whole communities. Thank you to the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association for sharing this story of how solar strengthens the financial future of Iowa farmers! Watch the video to see how solar is shaping the future of farming.
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PV World Vast majority of German farmers ready to embrace agrivoltaics A new survey conducted by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE showed that 72.4% of the country’s farmers are considering the deployment of an agrivoltaic project. Among the main factors behind this choice, the researchers identified the additional source of income coming from solar power generation and the perceived usefulness of the technology.
Vast majority of German farmers ready to embrace agrivoltaics
https://www.pv-magazine.com
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Can solar energy and agriculture co-exist? There are concerns about the impact of solar arrays on rural landscapes, property values, land use and local economies. Read more on the challenges and opportunities in solar: https://lnkd.in/gHVAMum4 #Solar #Agrivoltaics
Can Agrivoltaics help solar energy and agriculture co-exist?
farmprogress.com
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This latest Farm Progress article addresses the concerns and impact of Agrivoltaics, which refers to mixing agricultural practices and solar panels on the same land. Learn more about it's influence on land values and use here - https://lnkd.in/gHVAMum4
Can solar energy and agriculture co-exist? There are concerns about the impact of solar arrays on rural landscapes, property values, land use and local economies. Read more on the challenges and opportunities in solar: https://lnkd.in/gHVAMum4 #Solar #Agrivoltaics
Can Agrivoltaics help solar energy and agriculture co-exist?
farmprogress.com
