AgriSolar News Roundup: Agrisolar Development, Aquavoltaics in Taiwan, Illinois Solar Grazing
Agricultural Land Usually Remains in Agriculture After Solar and Wind Development
“As [agrisolar] development has expanded, some communities have raised concerns about the local effects of solar and wind projects. USDA, Economic Research Service researchers recently studied how solar and wind development affects land cover near wind turbines and solar farms.
Researchers examined the land cover in the three years prior to and following installation and found that cropland or pasture-rangeland usually stayed in the same land cover even after the addition of solar or wind development.” – ers.usda.govhttps://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2024/07/avangrid-hires-5000-sheep-for-grazing-on-two-solar-projects-in-the-pacific-northwest/
WINAICO Develops New Solar Aquaculture Module
“This year, the company will launch the AQUA salt-resistant double-glass module series, featuring double-layer coated glass with excellent density and light transmittance, POE encapsulation technology, highly waterproof seal performance of junction box, and apply a thicker oxidized film coating to shield the aluminum frame from corrosion.
After more than 15 years of operation in Taiwan and the worldwide renewable energy market, WIN WIN Precision Technology has demonstrated expertise in customizing solar modules for island climates, its solar brand WINAICO holds exclusive patents for the wind-resistant and water drain valve designs.” – prnewswire.com
Illinois Farmer Successfully Adapts to Solar Grazing
“[Trent] Gerlach’s family had been raising corn, soybeans, and livestock since 1968, and like many farmers, they leased farmland in addition to working their own land. And when the owner of one of those leased parcels decided to work with Acciona Energia to help site its High Point wind and solar farm, Gerlach initially was not enthusiastic.
‘The thought of taking productive farm ground out of production with solar panels was not, in my personal opinion, ideal,’ he said.
But Gerlach was determined to make the best of the situation.
Ultimately, that meant a win-win arrangement, where Acciona pays him to manage vegetation around the 100 MW array of solar panels that went online in early 2024. Gerlach does that with a herd of 500 sheep.
‘It’s incredibly cost-effective — sheep don’t break down like a tractor; if a tractor blows a belt, you’ve lost a whole day of cutting,’ he said. ‘These grasses grow wickedly fast, it’s that constant presence of the sheep that’s been super effective. It aligns with our sustainability goals.’” – canarymedia.com
