Entries by Anna Adair

Solar energy development on farmland: Three prevalent perspectives of conflict, synergy and compromise in the United States

This article uses the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus framework to delineate three different perspectives of solar energy development on farmland. The first two perspectives fit into the FEW nexus language of “trade-offs” and “synergies” respectively, arguing that solar energy development either conflicts with agricultural land use and food security or, alternatively, that the two land uses can be co-located appropriately to create agrivoltaic systems. The third perspective is a compromise, arguing that solar energy preserves farmland for future agricultural use.

Case Study: Slate Solar PV Park

Indart sheep grazing around solar panels. Located in Kings County, the Slate Solar PV Park produces power for hundreds of thousands of California citizens, while simultaneously providing food and shade for its resident sheep herd. The 390-megawatt site, owned by MN8 Solar and operated by Canadian Solar, rests on 2,120 acres and consists of almost […]

Case Study: Indart Solar Sheep Grazing

Indart sheep between rows of solar panels. As the average age of the American farmer continues to rise, the question of how to transition an agricultural operation to the next generation is a concern for current farmers. Can agrisolar offer a solution to help keep multi-generational farms and ranching operations profitable and in family hands? […]

Agrivoltaic: How much electricity could photovoltaic greenhouses supply?

The aim of this research is to establish how relevant agrivoltaics can be in terms of energy production at regional scale. For this purpose, a methodology is developed to: (i) identify greenhouses using cartographic information systems, (ii) estimate how much of these areas could be covered by solar photovoltaic panels without decreasing the crops production, thus, estimating the optimal photovoltaic cover ratio for different type of crops under different solar conditions by developing a novel set of equations and (iii) evaluate the corresponding photovoltaic power and production.

Photovoltaic-thermal systems applications as dryer for agriculture sector: A review

This paper looks at the use of photovoltaic thermal air collectors (PV-T) and integrated greenhouse drying systems. It offers insights and data to aid scientists and researchers in the creation and improvement of thermal models for combined solar systems, and presents a detailed analysis of the current state of knowledge in the field of combined solar systems. It also
identify gaps in the existing research and suggests potential avenues for future investigation.

Does agrivoltaism reconcile energy and agriculture? Lessons from a French case study

In this article, the authors conducted a qualitative study revolving around three methodological approaches: a press analysis, a review of scientific literature, and fieldwork in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques district in France. Their analysis highlights four main results: (i) agrivoltaism is an innovation conceptualized in techno-scientific arenas which seek to define its agricultural viability; (ii) at the national level, the remote control by the State does not provide a framework for governance capable of involving the various actors in the fields of agriculture and energy; (iii) the deployment of agrivoltaism systems across regions engenders conflict while placing key local actors in a situation of uncertainty with regard to how best to manage this innovation; (iv) while individuals are subjected to territorialization, this paradoxically favors structural policy innovations which outline the contours of territorial governance.

Solar Leasing: A Guide for Agricultural Landowners in the Pacific Northwest

This guide serves to help landowners navigate the complex and challenging decision process of whether to enter a solar lease. It presents key issues to consider and information to gather prior to making a decision, offers communication skills to help guide conversations with others connected to the land, and provides tips and tools for negotiating with the solar company on the terms of a solar lease.

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AgriSolar Policy Guide

The AgriSolar Policy Guide was designed to facilitate policy learning and innovation in the United States. The intention of this guide is not to advocate for certain initiatives, but to provide a central platform for education and engagement and to support policy innovation for better co-location.

Leasing Land for Solar Energy Development

This publication from the University of Missouri Extension uses information developed by land grant universities, in states where solar energy development is more common, to inform landowners that are considering utility-scale solar energy development land leases.