Podcasts about agrivoltaics

In this episode, we explore the power of agrivoltaics with Jason Bradley from Sun Cycle Farms. By harnessing the principles of bio-mimicry, Sun Cycle is revolutionizing sustainable farming—blending solar energy with agriculture to create a more efficient and resilient system. We discuss the farm’s origins, its innovative approach, and the incredible benefits of integrating solar with food production. Tune in to learn how agrivoltaics is shaping the future of energy and farming!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agrivoltaics is an innovation in which land is simultaneously used for farming and solar energy production. The aim is to increase land use efficiency, produce income, and generate environmental and social value. In the latest episode of Sustainability Leaders, Melissa Fifield, Head of the BMO Climate Institute, sits down with Kathryn Beroš, Founder and Managing Director of KAP Industry, a global agrivoltaics solution provider, to learn how the technology could help address the challenge of water scarcity.

A group of sheep on farmland in the American state of Texas work together to complete a job: eating the grass growing beneath hundreds of solar panels. 美国得克萨斯州农田里的一群羊共同完成一项工作：吃掉数百块太阳能电池板下生长的草。 Sheep have become a symbol of a growing solar industry as large-scale solar farms appear across the United States. 由于大型太阳能农场出现在美国，绵羊已成为不断发展的太阳能行业的象征。In Milam County, Texas, SB Energy operates the fifth-largest solar project in the country. It can produce 900 megawatts of power across 1,618 hectares. Energy 在德克萨斯州米拉姆县运营着该国第五大太阳能项目。它占地 1,618 公顷，可发电 900 兆瓦。 So, how does the company deal with all the grass that grows on such a large piece of land? It deploys about 3,000 sheep that keep the grass cover low. Sheep, unlike devices such as lawnmowers, can fit between small spaces and work in all kinds of weather conditions. 那么，该公司如何处理在如此大的土地上生长的所有草？它部署了约3,000只绵羊，使草覆盖较低。与割草机等设备不同，绵羊可以适合小空间，并在各种天气条件下工作。 The work of the sheep, and sometimes other animals, is called solar grazing. It is considered part of the larger idea of agrivoltaics --- the use of land for both solar energy production and agriculture.绵羊，有时甚至其他动物的工作称为太阳放牧。它被认为是Agrivoltaics更大概念的一部分 - - 将土地用于太阳能生产和农业。The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that solar grazing may help the environment in several ways. These include making grassy areas safer for wild animals, like nesting ground birds, and by reducing fuel use and air pollution. 美国农业部表示，太阳能放牧可以通过多种方式改善环境。其中包括使草地对野生动物（例如筑巢的地面鸟类）更加安全，以及减少燃料使用和空气污染。Agrivoltaics is on the rise with more than 60 solar grazing projects in the U.S., the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says. The American Solar Grazing Association says 27 states take part in solar grazing. 国家可再生能源实验室说，Agrivoltaics在美国有60多个太阳能放牧项目正在上升。美国太阳能放牧协会说，有27个州参加了太阳能放牧。Putting the animals to work on solar fields also provides some help to the sheep and wool market, which has struggled in recent years. The number of sheep and lambs in Texas fell to 655,000 in January 2024, a 4 percent drop from the year before. That information comes from the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 让动物在太阳能发电场工作也为近年来陷入困境的绵羊和羊毛市场提供了一些帮助。2024 年 1 月，德克萨斯州的绵羊和羔羊数量下降至 655,000 只，比上年下降 4%。该信息来自美国农业部的最新数据。 Because solar fields use sunny, flat land that is often good for animals to eat grass on, the power plants have been used in cooperation with farmers rather than against them.由于太阳能田使用晴朗，平坦的土地，通常适合动物在上面吃草，因此发电厂已与农民合作而不是与它们合作。Sheep farmer JR Howard accidentally found himself in the middle of Texas' move to clean energy. In 2021, he and his family began working with solar farms. Howard's sheep ate the grass on these large areas of land. 养羊户 JR 霍华德 (JR Howard) 意外地发现自己正处于德克萨斯州向清洁能源转型的过程中。2021 年，他和家人开始从事太阳能发电场的工作。霍华德的羊吃掉了这大片土地上的草。What was once a small business has turned into a larger operation with more than 8,000 sheep and 26 employees. 曾经的小企业现已发展成为拥有 8,000 多只羊和 26 名员工的大型企业。 “Just the growth has been kind of crazy for us,” said Howard, who named his company Texas Solar Sheep. “It's been great for me and my family.” “这种增长对我们来说有点疯狂，”霍华德说，他将自己的公司命名为“Texas Solar Sheep”。“这对我和我的家人来说都很棒。”Some agriculture experts say Howard's success shows how solar farms have become a big help for some ranchers. 一些农业专家表示，霍华德的成功表明太阳能农场如何为一些牧场主提供了很大的帮助。 Reid Redden is a sheep farmer and solar vegetation manager in San Angelo, Texas. Redden said a successful sheep business requires agricultural land that has become increasingly hard to find. 里德·雷登 (Reid Redden) 是德克萨斯州圣安吉洛的一名养羊户和太阳能植被经理。雷登说，成功的养羊业需要农业用地，而农业用地已经变得越来越难找到。 “Solar grazing is probably the biggest opportunity that the sheep industry had in the United States in several generations,” Redden said.“太阳能放牧可能是美国养羊业几代人以来所拥有的最大机会，”雷登说。 Redden suggested that people in the rural communities near where he raises sheep have been very positive about solar grazing. 雷登表示，他养羊的地方附近的农村社区的人们对太阳能放牧非常积极。Agrivoltaics itself is not new. Solar farms use a lot of land and require a lot of space that could be used for food production. Agrivoltaics本身并不是什么新鲜事物。太阳能农场使用大量土地，需要大量可用于粮食生产的空间。 Agrivoltaics helps with the problem by permitting the two industries to coexist, whether growing food or caring for livestock. Agrivoltaics通过允许两个行业共存，无论是种植食物还是照顾牲畜，可以帮助解决问题。 There is a lot still unknown about the full effects of solar grazing, said Nuria Gomez-Casanovas of Texas A&M University. 德克萨斯农工大学的Nuria Gomez-Casanovas说，太阳能放牧的全部影响仍然不明。 Not enough studies have been done to know the long-term environmental effects, such as how good the soil will be for future agriculture. However, Gomez-Casanovas suspects solar grazing may improve sheep productivity. 目前还没有足够的研究来了解长期的环境影响，例如土壤对未来农业的有利程度。然而，戈麦斯-卡萨诺瓦斯怀疑太阳能放牧可能会提高羊的生产力。 “We really have more questions than answers,” Gomez-Casanovas said. 戈麦斯 - 卡萨诺瓦斯说：“我们的问题比答案要多。”

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the community Roundtables organized by the American Farmland Trust and the New York State Tug Hill Commission, aimed at advancing agrivoltaics in New York. These innovative discussions endeavor to optimize land use by integrating solar energy generation with agricultural practices, thereby addressing the pressing needs of the agricultural sector in an era of environmental challenges. We invite farmers, agricultural professionals, local government representatives, and community members to engage in these dialogues, which will critically examine the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of agrovoltaic projects. Furthermore, the insights gleaned from these Roundtables will be compiled and shared with pertinent governmental agencies, thereby influencing policy and support mechanisms. It is imperative that interested participants register promptly, as space is limited and the discussions promise to be both enriching and impactful.The discourse presented in this podcast segment elucidates the initiative undertaken by the American Farmland Trust in conjunction with the New York State Tug Hill Commission, which aims to facilitate a series of community roundtables centered on the subject of agrivoltaics within New York. Agrivoltaics, a progressive approach that marries agricultural practices with solar energy generation, represents a promising avenue for optimizing land use, an increasingly critical concern in the face of rising energy demands and environmental sustainability challenges. These roundtable discussions are designed to engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural professionals, local government representatives, and members of the community, thereby fostering a comprehensive dialogue regarding the multifaceted opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of agrivoltaics in the region.The overarching objective of these community gatherings is to cultivate an environment conducive to robust discussions that will ultimately outline the specific needs and challenges faced by stakeholders as they navigate the complexities of advancing agrivoltaic projects. It is anticipated that the insights gleaned from these discussions will be meticulously compiled and subsequently conveyed to pivotal entities such as the Department of Energy and the United States Department of Agriculture, thereby ensuring that the findings contribute to broader policy considerations and support mechanisms for agrivoltaic initiatives. This engagement not only underscores the importance of community involvement in agricultural innovation but also highlights the necessity of informed decision-making processes that are reflective of the diverse perspectives within the community.Furthermore, the podcast segment emphasizes the importance of timely registration for these events, stressing that space is limited and attendance is crucial for those who wish to contribute meaningfully to the dialogues. This call to action serves as a reminder of the inherent value of participatory discussions in shaping the future of agricultural practices and energy generation in New York, fostering a collaborative spirit aimed at advancing sustainable practices in the face of modern challenges.Takeaways: The American Farmland Trust and Tug Hill Commission are facilitating community roundtables focused on agrivoltaics. These roundtables aim to foster extensive discussions regarding the integration of solar energy and agriculture. All interested parties including farmers and local stakeholders are encouraged to participate in these discussions. The outcomes of these discussions will be compiled and shared with significant governmental agencies for further action. The first roundtable event is scheduled for February 26 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County....

Right now, there's not much growing in Iowa. But Nick Peterson, strategic partnerships manager for Alliant Energy, is already thinking about next summer's yields. He's spearheading a collaboration with Iowa State University, an Alliant customer, to evaluate a practice called agrivoltaics, which marries farming with solar energy generation.Across ten acres, the utility installed a 1.35 megawatt solar installation, using both fixed arrays and tracker panels. Along with a team from Iowa State University's agriculture and engineering schools, Alliant Energy is looking at the potential for growing high-value crops under the panels. One year into the four-year project supported by a $1.8 million Department of Energy grant,  early food and power generation results are promising.This week on With Great Power, Nick tells Brad what scientists are learning from the project, why it could change how utilities think about agrivoltaics, and why one of the hardest parts of his job is addressing the fears some farmers have about the practice.With Great Power is a co-production of GridX and Latitude Studios.  Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts. For more reporting on the companies featured in this podcast, subscribe to Latitude Media's newsletter.Credits: Hosted by Brad Langley. Produced by Erin Hardick and Mary Catherine O'Connor. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. Sean Marquand composed the original theme song and mixed the show. The Grid X production team includes Jenni Barber, Samantha McCabe, and Brad Langley.

In this episode, EPRI experts examine a new corner of the energy industry: agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is when solar PV panels are installed above crops so that the same land can be simultaneously used for energy and food production.   Learn from EPRI experts, Terry Jennings and Bailee Neary, on how EPRI is helping utilities explore this emerging practice. Plus, you'll hear an overview of agrivoltaics today, and where it may go in the future thanks to AI.   Learn more in this recent EPRI Journal article: https://eprijournal.com/a-marriage-of-sun-farmland-and-technology/   Guests: TERRY JENNINGS -  Team Leader for Environmental Aspects of Wind & Solar at EPRI, and BAILIE NEARY - Researcher for Energy Systems & Climate Analysis Group at EPRI   Learn more at EPRI.com    If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes.      Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/  Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews      EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com     

Janna Greir and her partner Ryan always loved the idea of ranching, living in the country, and operating a small farm, but becoming a first-generation farmer is nearly impossible these days. That is until she discovered the combination of sheep and solar. The family had a dozen sheep until she landed a contract with Capital Power to manage the vegetation on their Strathmore Solar Farm. Janna has become something of an expert in vegetation management since then and the land is now much more productive and her flock has grown to more than 1,000 sheep on this one site alone. Her story points to a bright future for farmers who want to improve productivity and the economics of their farms. Janna says there is nothing but potential for the expansion of the idea often referred to as Agrivoltaics. This is part one in our series. GreenEnergyFutures CKUA.com Podcast BLOG at GreenEnergyFutures.ca

Welcome to episode 64 of Growers Daily! We cover:  Solar Panels on Farms + The Market Garden in The Dead of Winter, bird flu, cancer warnings on alcohol, LA fires,  Links from this episode:  The CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html   Innovative Solar Practices Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems: https://openei.org/wiki/InSPIRE   Jack's Solar Garden https://www.instagram.com/jackssolargarden/   A good Agrivoltaics summary: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/made-shade-promise-farming-solar-panels   INspire: https://openei.org/wiki/InSPIRE/ASTRO   Agrivoltaic Raspberry farm in the netherlands : https://www.baywa.com/en/about/electricity-heating-mobility/europes-largest-fruitvoltaic-project#:~:text=A%20Roof%20for%20Raspberries%3A%20How,be%20enough%20for%202%2C810%20households.   German cost comparison: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/03/26/cost-comparison-between-agrivoltaics-and-ground-mounted-pv/     Support our work (

In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy interviews Peter Schmitt, Director of Project Development at US Solar. Peter shares insights on agrivoltaics, highlights the key states where US Solar is focusing its solar development efforts, and discusses emerging trends in the agrivoltaics industry. US Solar is a developer, owner, operator, and financier of solar generation and storage projects with a focus on emerging markets, agrivoltaics, and community solar programs with over 200 Megawatts of completed projects and over 2 Gigawatts in construction and development   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in the environmental commodities market.   This includes initial site evaluation, permitting, financing, sourcing equipment, and negotiating the long-term energy and environmental commodities off-take agreements. He manages due diligence processes on land, permitting, and utility interconnection and is in charge of financing and structuring through Note to Proceed (“NTP”) to Commercial Operation Date (“COD”). Benoy composes teams suitable for all project development and construction tasks. He is also involved in project planning and pipeline financial modeling. He has been part of all sides of the transaction and this allows him to provide unique perspectives and value. Benoy has extensive experience in financial engineering to make solar projects profitable.   Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016.  He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets.    Benoy was the Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners which is a national solar installer where he focused on project finance solutions for commercial scale solar projects.  He also worked for Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund, where he analyzed potential investments in renewable energy projects and worked on maximizing the financial return of the projects in the portfolio.  Benoy also worked on the sale of all of the renewable energy projects in Ridgewood's portfolio.   He was in the Energy Structured Finance practice for Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services practice at Ernst & Young.  Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. He has a MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from the Stern School of Business at New York University.  Benoy was an Alumni Scholar at the Stern School of Business.     Peter Schmitt Peter is a Director of Project Development focusing on US Solar's grid scale developments across the country, ranging from 50-300+ MW each.  He also spearheads the company's vegetation innovations, including the advancement of pollinator seed mixes, experimental crops, beehives, and the introduction of sheep to sites.  Prior to joining US Solar, Peter worked as an internal consultant at Xcel Energy in transmission, worked for a public utility in Austria, and founded a commercial compost company. Peter grew up in Minnesota and received two undergraduate and two graduate degrees, all from the University of Minnesota.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Peter Schmitt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/ US Solar Website:  https://www.us-solar.com/   Agrivoltaics Conferences in 2025 NORTH AMERICA'S AGRIVOLTAICS EXPO August 4-7, 2025 Chicago, IL https://solarfarmsummit.com   AgriVoltaics World Conference July 1-3, 2025 Freibrug, Germany https://www.agrivoltaics-conference.org/                                  

On this week's episode of NPM Interconnections, host Andrew Burnes is joined by Doral Renewables' CEO and Co-Founder Nick Cohen, VP of Development Jon Baker and VP of Development and Agrivoltaics, Ed Baptista.All three guests have been directly involved in the development of two of the largest projects in the Midwest - Indiana's 1.3 GW Mammoth Solar and Wisconsin's 1.3 GW Vista Sands Solar.The trio discuss the permitting and siting challenges related to developing projects at GW scale and also the interest level in adding storage components to these projects as the technology becomes more viable in the Midwest. Finally, Cohen provides a look ahead to the firm's pipeline in 2025 and whether the firm expects to stick with projects at this scale or change things up moving forward.New Project Media (NPM) is a leading data, intelligence, and events company providing business development led coverage of the US and European renewable energy markets for the development, finance, M&A, and corporate community.Download our mobile app.

Sunshine makes food farming possible in more ways than one. Emerging farmers can access land and landowners can add solar income through, Agrivoltaics an approach that combines solar energy production with agricultural practices — allowing for renewable energy generation alongside farming activities like crop production and livestock grazing. This dual-use approach brings significant benefits to the land, farmers, and the local community. Peter Schmitt is the Director of Project Development with Minneapolis based, US Solar. www.us-solar.com

In this Lab Notes episode, we explore the ins and outs of integrating solar energy with agriculture—also known as agrivoltaics! Learn about why agrivoltaics is vital for sustainable growth, along with NREL's work in pioneering the technique from lead Agrivoltaics researcher Jordan Macknick. Then, dive into how agrivoltaics is evolving in the United States and the challenges of scaling these projects with Ethan Winter from American Farmland Trust. Finally, understand the critical role of equity and environmental justice in agrivoltaics through expert advice from behavioral scientist and researcher Dana-Marie Thomas. Uncover the benefits, challenges, and future of agrivoltaics in the United States in this episode as we shed light on its potential to support both energy and food security! This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by James Wilcox, Joe DelNero, and Brittany Falch. Graphics are by Brittnee Gayet. Our title music is written and performed by Ted Vaca and episode music by Chuck Kurnik, Jim Riley, and Mark Sanseverino of Drift BC. Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast is created by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at podcast@nrel.gov. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

Adapture Renewables product developer Nathan Durfee says these projects can generate an impressive amount of energy while contributing to the local tax base.

This week we're joined by Dennis Bowman, Extension Digital Agriculture Specialist with Illinois Extension. Our team was fascinated by our discussion with Dennis about agrivoltaics and University of Illinois' major research project within this field.  Discover what agrivoltaics is all about, why agricultural land is such an attractive target for solar development, and the challenges and opportunities that arise when combining agriculture and renewable energy. We'll also discuss how researchers are developing tools to empower landowners with the information they need to make informed decisions about these practices. Oh, and we find out more about farming games!  Learn more on the blog.Resources to learn more:Sustainable Co-locating Agriculture and Photovoltaic Energy Systems (SCAPES) projectSCAPES YouTubeMy Agrivoltaic Farm game app

Agrivoltaics is the combination of solar power generation with agriculture.  Generally, this has involved growing crops under and around solar panels harvesting both food and electricity.  More recently, there has been increasing interest in grazing animals to manage lands used for solar power. Enel North America, a large operator of solar farms and utility-scale battery […]

Grounded host Bryan Hockaday meets OSU Assistant Professor Chad Higgins and takes listeners on a tour of a solar research farm outside of Wilsonville. On the farm, they're fine tuning the practice of agrivoltaics and experimenting with what crops respond best to integrated solar electricity production. Learn more: https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/blog/2024/9/4/grounded-podcast-episode-44-harvesting-solar-the-science-of-agrivoltaics Theme music by Oregon artist, Jana Cushman

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Jordan Macknick, a senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to explore the fascinating world of agrivoltaics. With over a decade of experience in the field, Macknick offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of solar energy and agriculture, shedding light on the current state and future potential of this innovative approach to land use.The conversation begins with Macknick's journey into agrivoltaics, going back to his early work in the wind industry and NREL's first agrivoltaics experiment in 2010. He then delves into NREL's mission to provide foundational data and services that enable better decision-making in the rapidly evolving field of agrivoltaics. Macknick discusses the challenges and opportunities in developing tools that can predict optimal agrivoltaics configurations for specific locations, emphasizing the need for more empirical data to refine these models.Macknick highlights NREL's agrivoltaics map, a valuable resource tracking over 500 projects totaling more than 10 gigawatts of solar capacity across the country. He explains how these projects vary by region, adapting to local conditions and agricultural needs.The episode also explores different applications of agrivoltaics, from the prevalent sheep grazing to the emerging potential of cattle grazing and growing crops. Macknick shares insights on ongoing research projects and the considerations for integrating larger livestock into solar installations.Towards the end, Macknick introduces NREL's inspired data portal, a comprehensive database of nearly 700 research papers on agrivoltaics. This resource allows stakeholders to access and filter the latest scientific findings in the field, supporting informed decision-making and further research.This episode offers valuable insights for solar developers, farmers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable energy and agriculture.Social Media HandlesJordan MacknickInSPIRe DatabaseNREL Solar Market Research & Analysis: Agrivoltaics Support the Show.Connect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

With a distinguished 45-year career and over 1,500 presentations and publications, sustainable energy expert Michael Totten delves into the prospects of transitioning into a solar-powered economy utilizing the transformative power of agrivoltaics and digital innovations. Michael describes how these technologies are revolutionizing farming practices and creating the potential for sustainable, self-sufficient communities. Learn about his pioneering work on tri-level natural farming using solar microgrids, his collaborations with rock bands like Pearl Jam to combat climate change, and the groundbreaking concept of digital twins, a virtual visualization tool to help manage and optimize all manner of production scenarios.   #Agrivoltaics #SustainableFarming #DigitalInnovations #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SustainableAgriculture #GreenTechnology #DigitalTwins #ClimateChangeSolutions #FutureOfFarming

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Iain Ward, founder of Solar Agricultural Services (SolAg), to explore the exciting world of agrivoltaics - the practice of combining solar energy production with agriculture. Ward, with his background in conservation planning and environmental science, shares insights on how the solar industry and farming communities can create win-win scenarios through innovative dual-use projects.The conversation delves into the current status of agrivoltaics in the United States, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers, developers, and local communities. Ward emphasizes the importance of preserving agricultural land while integrating solar energy production, discussing creative approaches to crop selection, livestock grazing, and soil health management under solar arrays.A key focus of the discussion is the evolving relationship between solar developers and farmers, particularly tenant farmers who may be displaced by traditional solar projects. Ward outlines strategies for creating mutually beneficial partnerships, including innovative compensation models and agricultural practices tailored to work within solar installations. He also touches on the need for developers to adopt more agriculturally sensitive construction methods, such as burying cables and minimizing soil disturbance/grading.The episode explores the broader implications of agrivoltaics for food security, rural economic development, and environmental sustainability. Ward passionately argues for a holistic approach to solar development that considers the entire agricultural ecosystem and community impact. He shares his vision for agrivoltaics as part of a larger food movement that can regenerate soils, support farm viability, and bring new generations back to farming.This episode will give you valuable insights into the emerging best practices for agrivoltaic projects, the importance of building trust between developers and farming communities, and the potential to reshape both the solar and agricultural industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable energy and food production.Social Media HandlesIain WardSolAg Support the Show.Connect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Ethan Winter and Austin Kinzer from American Farmland Trust (AFT) to explore the world of agrivoltaics. We discuss AFT's "Smart Solar" program, which aims to balance the acceleration of clean energy with the preservation of thriving farms. We explore the challenges and opportunities of dual-use solar projects, examining how agrivoltaics can provide additional revenue for farmers (and farming communities) while keeping land in production. The conversation touches on farmer attitudes towards solar, highlighting generational differences and the importance of building trust and knowledge in rural communities. Winter and Kinzer provide insights into state-level policies and research on agrivoltaics, as well as the current status and future outlook for these projects in the US. They reveal that currently about 10% of US solar projects involve some form of agrivoltaics, primarily sheep grazing, and discuss the growing interest from energy buyers in the social and environmental attributes of these projects. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize the need for careful planning and community engagement to ensure the successful integration of solar power and agriculture, presenting agrivoltaics as a potential solution to balance clean energy goals with farmland preservation.Social Media HandlesThe American Farmland TrustEthan WinterAustin Kinzer Support the Show.Connect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

https://youtu.be/SYFLHrnvtaQMatt and Sean talk about whether we have enough room for solar panels to power the world, and alternatives to plastics like mushrooms. It's a double duty episode that will really grow on you. Sorry … couldn't resist.Watch the Undecided with Matt Ferrell episodes;-5 BEST Alternatives to Finally Replace Plastic https://youtu.be/E-cnoSAaUa8?list=PLnTSM-ORSgi6ObB8Ao0IpRhOgYO27wbSd-Why Don't We Put Solar on ALL Rooftops? https://youtu.be/gkUdfU41iUg?list=PLnTSM-ORSgi7uzySCXq8VXhodHB5B5OiQYouTube version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/stilltbdpodcastGet in touch: https://undecidedmf.com/podcast-feedbackSupport the show: https://pod.fan/still-to-be-determinedFollow us on X: @stilltbdfm @byseanferrell @mattferrell or @undecidedmfUndecided with Matt Ferrell: https://www.youtube.com/undecidedmf ★ Support this podcast ★

Agrivoltaics is combining agriculture and solar energy production. In partnership with Savion Energy, we were awarded a Department of Energy grant to investigate the feasibility of forage production, grazing and impacts on solar health at the Madison Fields solar site near Rosedale, Ohio. In this episode we share the details of the project and what […]

7/31/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Mike DellaGalla, Co-Founder & CEO of Solar Collective (solarcollective.energy). The conversation includes: Agri-solar/Agrivoltaics, the idea of collocating solar equipment on active farmland that remains farmable.  By using solar as an ag product, Solar Collective can help farmers generate long-term, reliable income.  They focus on smaller projects on family farms across the US with a particular focus on Massachusetts.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmer.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Farmer Shawn Morton just said "no" the first time he was approached by solar developers. But Morton found an ally in Claude Mindorff a farmer who was working for the solar company. So he cut a deal to lease 300 acres to a solar project and to keep grazing and farming that land in the lease. It's called Agrivoltaics, or the integration of solar with farming or grazing and Shawn says it just might be the thing that can help keep his 100-year family farm in the family. GreenEnergyFutures.ca CKUA.com Podcast Blog GreenEnergyFutures.ca

Agrivoltaics may be the biggest innovation in solar since the invention of the solar tracker. Today on the Clean Power Hour, we dive into the future of solar and farming with Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Vice President of Strategy at Lightstar Renewables. Discover how agrivoltaics is revolutionizing the solar industry and helping rural communities realize that solar and agriculture are compatible. Lucy leads strategy for current and new markets, policy, government affairs, and marketing at Lightstar. She works closely with advocacy organizations, industry colleagues, legislators, and administration officials across all Lightstar markets to advocate for sustainable and equitable solar program policy. Lucy is an expert in and advocate for solar and agricultural land use issues and has successfully worked to advance agrivoltaic dual-use policies across the country. For the last ten years, she has focused on energy, land use, agriculture, and public health policy and she holds a Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.Lucy shares her journey from environmental health research to becoming a champion for clean energy. Learn how Lightstar is leading the charge with 1200 megawatts of solar in their pipeline, including 300 megawatts of cutting-edge agrivoltaics projects.Explore the challenges solar developers face and how agrivoltaics is changing the game. Lucy reveals how this innovative approach is helping to overcome nimbyism, build trust with local communities, and provide new opportunities for farmers. Get an insider's look at the evolving landscape of solar policy across different states. From Massachusetts' SMART program to Maryland's potential as a petri dish for scaling agrivoltaics, Lucy provides valuable insights into the future of the industry.Don't miss Lucy's bold prediction for agrivoltaics – she believes it could become the default form of solar development, potentially reaching 50-60% of new projects in the coming years. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and innovative policy solutions.Social Media HandlesLucy Bullock-SiegerLightstar Renewables Support the Show.Connect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Have you ever pondered how entrepreneurship can be leveraged to tackle issues like food insecurity and support local agriculture? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood explores this intriguing question with Clancy Harrison, an expert in the food systems space. Together, they discuss how innovative business models can create a significant social impact.Clancy Harrison is the founder of the Food Dignity® Movement and a registered dietitian with extensive experience as a food service director and food pantry manager. Her work centers around bridging local farmers with communities in need, ensuring fair compensation for agricultural products while resolving food accessibility issues.This episode is a deep dive into Clancy's transformative approach to hunger relief that emphasizes dignity and sustainability. From pioneering equitable market systems to integrating advanced technologies in agriculture, Clancy's initiatives offer a fresh perspective on food security. Whether you're passionate about social entrepreneurship, sustainability, or community impact, this conversation is packed with insights that make it a must-listen. To get the latest from Clancy Harrison, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clancycashharrison/https://clancyharrison.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Agrivoltaics, combining solar panels with crops or grazing, is gaining traction. The USDA is investing in research, while farmers face economic challenges and await a new Farm Bill.

In this Green Light episode, Catherine sat down with Lightsource bp's COO & Head of USA, Emilie Wangerman, to hear about her latest updates - from 520 MW of solar projects with Verizon, Bank of America & McDonald's to scaling agrivoltaics to bp fully acquiring the company. Emilie has worked her way up from Director to now COO at the company. Six years after Emilie began working at Lightsource bp in business development, the team has executed 4+ GW of power contracts & raised over $4 billion in project financing, with a pipeline of 30+ GW in the U.S. If you're a clean energy employer & need help scaling your workforce efficiently with top tier candidates, contact Catherine McLean, CEO & Founder of Dylan Green, directly on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3odzxQr. If you're looking for your next role in clean energy, take a look at our industry-leading clients' latest job openings: bit.ly/dg_jobs. 

Solar plus farming, called Agrivoltaics is helping farmers generate new sources of income, keep the family farm viable and keep farming in the solar farm. We meet up with farmer, former oil and gas guy and current renewable energy developer Claude Mindorf at the Joffre Solar Farm in Alberta to talk about agrivoltaics. It turns out Canada could produce all of its electricity from renewable energy that would occupy less than 1% of farmland and enhance the viability of farming itself at the same time. GreenEnergyFutures.ca CKUA.com Video Podcast

In this episode, Uzbek entrepreneur Ilkhom Sadikov shares his experiences in promoting solar energy, highlighting challenges in investment due to low auction prices, potential for energy storage, agrivoltaics, and electric vehicles. He showcases his innovative solutions, including solar thermal solutions for agriculture, connecting LED street lights to solar power, and invites listeners to contact him for business opportunities. Please join in to find more.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

How can we meet the growing demands for renewable energy without losing precious agricultural land? Agrivoltaics! It's one of the most exciting growth sectors in solar energy! This approach leverages solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without losing the property's agricultural capabilities, thus unlocking fertile and scarce land's dual-use potential. Few have done as much to proliferate education on this topic as Dan French, Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit. We recently had Dan take over as a stand-in host for Nico, and he invited Mr. Dave Gahl, Executive Director at the Solar and Storage Industries Institute to discuss all that agrivoltaic promises and what barriers still hold this promising vertical back. French and Gahl provide insights from the field where these practices are helping to stabilize farm revenue, enhance biodiversity, and support renewable energy goals. Expect to learn:Key barriers to wider agrivoltaics adoptionHow The Solar Farm Summit's case studies help to standardize templates like grazing contracts and insurance agreementsCurrent funding opportunities for agrivoltaics projectsDiscover how agrivoltaics is offering a win-win solution for farmers, energy producers, and the environment. And don't miss out on the best annual agrivoltaics conference, happening in just a few weeks in Chicago - the www.solarfarmsummit.com!If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

As solar energy has grown and expanded in acreage, some solar companies are looking for ways to be better stewards of the land under where their panels are located.

In this episode of the Farmland Energy Legal Podcast, we are joined by Avery McLean, a recent graduate of Penn State Law and a former Research Assistant at the Center Agricultural and Shale Law at Penn State. Avery gives us an update on agrivoltaics: a large-scale solar development practice that combines solar energy generation with agricultural production. Avery also speaks about the specific legal developments for agrivoltaics in Pennsylvania.  Guest: Avery McLean, Research Assistant Host:  Chloe Marie, Research Specialist  Follow us on Twitter @AgShaleLaw  Like us on Facebook Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law   Music is “Caazapá (Aire Popular Paraguayo)” by Edson Lopes and is licensed under CC BY 3.0. 

Agrivoltaics is the combination of agriculture and photovoltaics to create co-benefits across food, energy, and water systems. There is a lot of research being conducted around the benefits and best practices for implementation of agrivoltaics. We spoke with two experts, Dr. Greg Barron-Gafford from the University of Arizona, and Dr. Brandon Bestelmeyer, research leader at the Jornada Experimental Range, to learn more about this fairly new technology.Relevant links: Agrisolar ClearinghouseUniversity of Arizona Biosphere 2 - AgrivoltaicsJornada Experimental RangeIf you're enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser Thanks!Follow us on Twitter @RainShinePodNever miss an episode! Sign up to get an email alert whenever a new episode publishes!Have a suggestion for a future episode? Please tell us!Come Rain or Shine affiliate links:DOI Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/  USDA Southwest Climate Hub: https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/southwest  Sustainable Southwest Beef Project (NIFA Grant #2019-69012-29853): https://southwestbeef.org/ 

Dr. Bradley J Heins, PhD tenured professor, has some thoughts on the potential for cows, crops, and solar panels all sharing the same land.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Director

In many cases, the land underneath solar panels can be more productive than a lot of people realize.

Is it possible for solar farms to also be commercial agricultural producers?

Silicon Ranch's Nick de Vries says a combination of energy generation and agricultural production can be replicated in many areas.

Coming up in this edition of Eco Report, Agrivoltaics and Climate Resilience as Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze brings us Part Three of his discussion with Sam Carpenter on bills opposed and backed by the Hoosier Environmental Council in the 2024 Legislative Session. The full four-part interview will be available online after the show as an …

Solar Power on FarmsMany farmers, ranchers, and landowners are beginning to consider using their farmland not just for agricultural purposes, but for solar power as well. This combination of agriculture and solar is known as agrivoltaics, which offers an innovative approach to land management particularly in arid regions of the world. Solar panels on farms are often paired with regenerative agricultural practices as a way to increase the capacity of solar output, carbon sequestration, and quantity of agricultural yields. Agrivoltaics, an emerging form of land management, holds promise for the future in the movement toward making agriculture more sustainable.  How does Agrivoltaics work?Most farmers are reliant on fossil fuels as their primary energy source, which not only impacts the environment, but engenders significant overhead costs. Solar energy on farms is one way to decrease farmers' reliance on fossil fuels and build long-term agricultural sustainability. Photovoltaic solar units can be built above pollinating plants and crops, allowing for increased shade, thereby providing energy for the farm and shielding the plants from intense heat from the sun.Dynamic agrivoltaics utilizes raised solar panels built above growing plants. Beneath the solar panels, farmers can grow deep-rooted pollinating plants such as native grass and flowers. Dynamic agrivoltaics can also assist farmers in controlling the level of sunlight crops receive. Further, solar panels can provide resistance during extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent. Although research is still ongoing, agrivoltaics has been proven to be a mechanism farmers can utilize in the face of climate change.Agrivoltaics: A tool for future sustainability?Agrivoltaics can help maintain crop yields, protect biodiversity, and increase solar output.  With solar panels, the environment can stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As a result, evaporation of irrigation water in the summer is reduced, and the cooler temperatures allow for soil to trap water more efficiently, thereby reducing costs for expensive irrigation systems. By reducing metabolic stressors (extreme heat, for example), plants are able to photosynthesize longer and grow larger. Plants like kale, shard, and bok choy have been proven to grow two to five times larger underneath solar panels. With increased growth capacity, carbon sequestration can increase and yields can go up, benefiting both the environment and farmer. In regions where the temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, solar panels can begin to underperform due to overheating. However, when plants are underneath the panels, the evaporation from crops can create localized cooling, reducing heat stress on the panels and boosting energy output. In addition, agrivoltaics can also benefit the livestock industry. As climate change is increasing temperatures, animals are often suffering from heat exhaustion in the summer months, which decreases their appetite and can lead to heat stroke and reduced performance. By providing shade through solar panels, livestock will continue to eat even during warm temperatures. This can be particularly beneficial for range managers that utilize free range and rotational grazing.Weather variability can impact farmers' profits. The revenue generated from leasing land and electricity sales can provide another source of income for farmers. Therefore, solar panels can be utilized to ensure long-term economic security.Potential Disadvantages of AgrivoltaicsAlthough agrivoltaics offers numerous environmental benefits, no climate-related solution comes without drawbacks. A large concern of solar panel installation is the outcome of their eventual disposal. With no proper strategies put into place for how to dispose of old solar panels, they will most likely be left to sit in landfills, releasing toxins into the environment and harming human health. Waste produced by solar panels may make electricity from solar panels four times more expensive than previously thought. Some environmental advocates are apprehensive about agrivoltaics as a potential solution to sustainable agriculture, fearing that solar panel installation will degrade land during assembly. The installation of solar panels has been associated with reducing ecosystem diversity and habitats for native species. Additionally, installing raised solar panels can result in higher costs due to the extra steel being utilized. Agrivoltaics is most practical in arid, dry regions, which limits its applicability to the Western US, Australia, highlands in South America, and other hot, dry climates. Lack of awareness and knowledge on the potential advantages of agrivoltaics has also limited its potential to become a common practice used in the transition to sustainable farming practices.About our guestByron Kominek, owner and manager of Jack's Solar Garden in Colorado, uses the co-location of solar panels and regenerative agriculture on a 24 acre, 1.2 megawatt solar garden outside of the city of Denver. Jack's Solar Garden hopes to inspire others with their innovative approach to farming by involving community members across Colorado in educational programs to learn about the benefits of agrivoltaics. Jack's Solar Garden has partnered with the non-profit Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center, to educate and inspire community members and farmers on the positive impacts of agrivoltaics. Further ReadingColorado Agrivoltaic Learning CenterDartmouth, Study Finds More U.S. Crops to Require IrrigationEcological Society of America, Solar panels cast shade on agriculture in a good wayEnvironmental Evidence Journal, What evidence exists regarding the effects of photovoltaic panels on biodiversity? A critical systematic map protocolJack's Solar GardenForbes, Dark Side To Solar? More Reports Tie Panel Production To Toxic PollutionResearch Gate, Agrivoltaics provide mutual benefits across the food–energy–water nexus in drylandsSolar Impulse, Dynamic Agrivoltaic SystemUSDA, Agrivoltaics: Coming Soon to a Farm Near You?USDA, Agrivoltaics: Pairing Solar Power and Agriculture in the NorthwestFor a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/solar-power-on-farms-with-byron-kominek/.

Hey there, SunCast listeners! As those of us here in the United States of America gather around the table on this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for tuning into the SunCast podcast over the years. Your support has meant the world to me, and it's because of you that this podcast has thrived for eight incredible years.When I started SunCast, I had a vision of creating a platform that would elevate the voices and stories of leaders in the clean energy industry. And thanks to your unwavering support, we have over 650 examples of HOW the Clean Energy Revolution is taking form. Together, we have explored the latest advancements in solar, energy storage, business models, and more. We have connected with entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are driving the clean energy transition forward.Through the SunCast podcast, we have created a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about shaping a sustainable future. It is because of you that this podcast has become a platform for discussion, learning, and inspiration. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being a part of this journey.Here are a few other episodes to catch up on, curated by our all-star team!Jeremy's Pick: Episode 616: Agrivoltaics, Brownfields To Brightfields And The Future Of Solar Farming With Dan French, Solar Farm SummitChris's Pick: Episode 648: Scaling Carbon Capture, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Spirit, With Damian Beauchamp Of 8 RiversGerman's Pick: Episode 642: Rethinking Energy Storage: A Conversation With Energy Vault CEO, Robert Piconi If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.SunCast is presented by Sungrow, the world's most bankable inverter brand.SunCast is also supported by PVcase & Trina.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Episode Summary In this episode, Benoy interviews Dan French, the Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit and Virginia Solar Summit . Dan discusses Agrivoltaics, Virginia Solar Summit on August 31st, and the first annual Solar Farm Summit. Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in the environmental commodities market.   This includes initial site evaluation, permitting, financing, sourcing equipment, and negotiating the long-term energy and environmental commodities off-take agreements. He manages due diligence processes on land, permitting, and utility interconnection and is in charge of financing and structuring through Note to Proceed (“NTP”) to Commercial Operation Date (“COD”). Benoy composes teams suitable for all project development and construction tasks. He is also involved in project planning and pipeline financial modeling. He has been part of all sides of the transaction and this allows him to provide unique perspectives and value. Benoy has extensive experience in financial engineering to make solar projects profitable. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the Environmental Commodities Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016.  He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of Tesla to move into the east coast markets.  Benoy was the Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners which is a national solar installer where he focused on project finance solutions for commercial scale solar projects.  He also worked for Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund, where he analyzed potential investments in renewable energy projects and worked on maximizing the financial return of the projects in the portfolio.  Benoy also worked on the sale of all of the renewable energy projects in Ridgewood's portfolio.   He was in the Energy Structured Finance practice for Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services practice at Ernst & Young.  Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. He has a MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from the Stern School of Business at New York University.  Benoy was an Alumni Scholar at the Stern School of Business.   Dan French Dan French is the Executive Producer of the Virginia Solar Summit and Solar Farm Summit.  Dan is a trained attorney and transaction expert with domestic and international experience. His U.S. practice has focused on real estate transactions, environmental risk transfer and redevelopment. Long a student of the deal, his watchword is ‘due diligence', which helps explain why Dan has been trusted to lead transaction support initiatives for some of the largest companies in the world. His transactional experience encompasses thousands of properties of all conditions across two dozen states, with more than a billion dollars of property and environmental liability successfully transacted.  He has received an LL.M. in Business Law from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, a J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law, and a B.A. in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dan is leading a redevelopment renaissance within the larger real estate revolution—a technological, civic, social and market-based movement lifting the form and function of humanity's built-environment to new heights, taking the health and wealth of our communities with it. He believes proactive due diligence is the difference in successful real estate transactions and in life. SMP 46: Why Brownfields are Ideal Sites for Solar? With Dan French https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-46-why-brownfields-are-ideal-sites-for-solar/   Stay connected: Benoy Thanjan Website: www.reneuenergy.com Email: info@renewenergy.com LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Facebook: Reneu Energy   Dan French Email:  dan@virginiasolarsummit.com Website:  https://solarfarmsummit.com https://dbforesites.com https://virginiasolarsummit.com Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-french-4354047/   SUMMER SHINDIG on August 31 in Richmond, Virginia https://virginiasolarsummit.com   SMP 106:  Dual Use the Future of Agriculture Land https://solarmaverick.podbean.com/e/smp-106-the-future-of-solar-on-agriculture-land-with-dual-use/   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Podbean, YouTube, and most of the major podcast platforms. This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

Hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin discuss four recent stories from NREL:  Ukraine Fights To Build More Resilient, Renewable Energy System in Midst of War: In partnership with USAID, NREL is supporting deployment of renewable-generation-based microgrids that will enable Ukraine to increase its energy independence and resilience by integrating more renewables into its energy mix. NREL Partners With Black Farmers' Collaborative To Plan Solar Panels for Florida Farms and Churches: The Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) Expert Match program is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative that pairs communities with researchers from national laboratories to provide short-term technical assistance to address clean energy goals. NREL is working with Bealsville and the Black Farmers' Collaborative in Florida to incorporate clean-energy technology on farms and in communities. Guidebook Explores Regulatory Barriers and Potential Solutions for Tribal Solar Projects: In a three-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, NREL and the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) set out to learn more about the regulatory barriers that often prevent tribes from implementing solar projects and explore potential solutions through a guidebook. Saving the Planet, One Internship at a Time: With more than 400 individuals, NREL welcomed its largest cohort of interns to the laboratory this summer. The NREL internship programs offer a variety of opportunities to talented, diverse undergraduate and graduate students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by Joe DelNero and Brittany Falch. Graphics are by Brittnee Gayet. Our title music is written and performed by Ted Vaca and episode music by Chuck Kurnik, Jim Riley, and Mark Sanseverino of Drift BC. Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast is created by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at podcast@nrel.gov. Follow NREL on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

On Today's Episode: How would you define Agrivoltaics? Generally, the practice of combining agriculture and photovoltaics has been gaining momentum, and holds significant potential for multiple benefits that are critical for both the environment and society. In a recent interview, Dan French, the Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit, discussed his work in agrivoltaics, a practice that merges solar energy production with agricultural activities on the same land. French, known for transforming brownfields into 'bright fields' and for spearheading the agricultural tax movement, outlined the benefits of agrivoltaics. These include increased crop yields, improved soil health, and providing a habitat for pollinators.He pointed to several obstacles that impede wider adoption of agrivoltaics, such as high initial costs, lack of knowledge, and policy challenges. French underscored the importance of community engagement in gaining approval for solar projects and averred that agrivoltaics could help to address local concerns.Drawing from his experience at BP, French shared insights on real estate and brownfield development, emphasizing the relevance of engaging stakeholders and defining clear end goals. He suggested that this 'Brownfield playbook' could be applied to solar development.French expressed optimism for the potential of agrivoltaics in revitalizing rural jobs and small farms, and sees it as a key component of a broader agricultural and land use renaissance in sync with the clean energy transition. He also emphasized the significance of agrivoltaics in mitigating climate effects such as flash droughts and dust bowls. Furthermore, French referred to a study by University of Arizona Professor Greg Barron-Gafford that highlighted the potential for increased agricultural yields with reduced water usage under solar panels.Join us in Richmond August 31st for the Summer Shindig Dan and Nico discuss in the episode.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-solar-summit-summer-shindig-tickets-680277988777 If you want to connect with today's guest(s), you'll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.SunCast is presented by Sungrow, the world's most bankable inverter brand.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest(s) and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 616 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

As winter approaches, local sheep farmer Renee Deal, owner of Sperry Livestock, typically faces a significant hurdle - finding sufficient grazing space for her 2,000 ewes. With out-of-state buyers purchasing the private land she used to rent, and drought rendering her Bureau of Land Management permit useless, the issue has grown increasingly challenging.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The meeting of food production and solar power off the same acre has a name — agrivoltaics. It’s both a new term and a new concept, still in the beginning stages of an industry in Canada. While new, early adopters and research alike point to some real benefits of marrying power and food production, contrary... Read More

Thanks for tuning in to this “Tuesdays with Lyndsey” edition of RealAg Radio! On this episode, we will hear from Rene Roy with the Canada Pork Council about the strike impacts to meat at port, as well as Deb Campbell, Agronomy Advantage, in the latest Soybean School on using the SWAT Cam in soybeans. As... Read More

Byron Kominek, Owner and Manager of Jack's Solar Garden, explains how he revitalized his family farm with modern technology. A creative approach that mixes old-world farming and new-world energy production in mutually beneficial symbiosis. A worthwhile listen.

Agrivoltaics -- solar PV paired with livestock or crops -- make for rich marketing materials. Good luck finding a developer brochure free of grazing sheep. But the project segment is far more than a kitschy niche.While the concept is well-understood in Europe, the U.S. is still finding its way with agrivoltaics. Early iterations lacked scalability due to added costs and irrational system requirements established by policymakers.Lucy Bullock-Sieger wants you to forget everything you think you know about agrivoltaics.As the vice president of strategy for Boston-based developer Lightstar Renewables, Bullock-Sieger is on a mission to prove that agrivoltaics is ready for primetime with a new approach.In addition to establishing a cost-neutral agrivoltaics development process, Lightstar has experienced improved community relations, expedited permits, and a mitigant to the interconnection nightmare.Bullock-Sieger joined Episode 46 of the Factor This! podcast to break down the rosy future for agrivoltaics. After a year of producing Factor This, we want to hear from you. Let us know what you've liked and how we can improve. Do you want more frequent episodes? Different topics? Click the link in the episode description to fill out our first audience survey. And help make Factor This the best it can be. The GridTECH Connect Forum is coming to Newport, Rhode Island October 23rd through the 25th. Click the link in the description to save the date for this unique event that's bringing together developers, utilities, and regulators to take on the critical issue of interconnection in the Northeast.We'll be sharing more details on the agenda and speakers soon. Check out Grid TECH Connect dot com to learn more.

https://youtu.be/qib5hFOgMHMMatt and Sean talk about farming techniques that incorporate AI, solar panels, and a whole lot of science. Agrivoltaics is a promising technique … with some nuance. Watch the Undecided with Matt Ferrell episode, “How Solar Panels Are Changing Agriculture - Agrivoltaics Revisited” https://youtu.be/ww-_U7_oQbY?list=PLnTSM-ORSgi7uzySCXq8VXhodHB5B5OiQYouTube version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/stilltbdpodcastGet in touch: https://undecidedmf.com/podcast-feedbackSupport the show: https://pod.fan/still-to-be-determinedFollow us on Twitter: @stilltbdfm @byseanferrell @mattferrell or @undecidedmfUndecided with Matt Ferrell: https://www.youtube.com/undecidedmf  ★ Support this podcast ★