Entries by A. J. Puckett

Mount Morris Agrivoltaics Study: Co-locating Solar and Agriculture at the Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center

The Town of Mount Morris commissioned this research to answer questions about the nascent solar-agricultural industry, assess opportunities to attract farmers to the EDF Renewables Morris Ridge Solar Energy Center, and identify viable markets for solar-raised products. The report addresses the current interest of local farmers in grazing sheep and establishing apiaries at Morris Ridge; summarizes surveys employed to discover regional demand for lamb and honey; and analyzes market opportunities for solar-raised lamb, honey, and related products.

Can Solar Energy Fuel Pollinator Conservation?

This article highlights ongoing efforts to couple solar energy production with pollinator conservation, noting recent legal definitions of these practices. The authors summarize key studies from the field of ecology, bee conservation, and experience working with members of the solar industry (e.g., contribution to legislation defining solar pollinator habitat). These results suggest the addition of native, perennial flowering vegetation will promote wild bee conservation and more sustainable honey beekeeping.

Building Bear Fences for Your Apiary

This University of Florida Extension publication describes how to build a bear fence to protect apiaries. The publication includes details on fence chargers, T-post insulators, variations of fence wire(s), fence testers and other variations of materials related to building bear fencing in effort to protect apiaries.

A National Strategy for the Co-location of Solar and Agriculture: Native Pollinator Habitat Establishment on Solar Farms in the United States

This thesis provides best practices for native pollinator habitat establishment on solar farms in the United States. The report includes case study examples in North Carolina, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Illinois, Michigan and Oregon. Various methods used in each case study include various implementation methods such as seed choices, solar-site constraints, development checklists and land management monitoring and evaluation.

Solar Energy Use for Energy Savings in Dairy Processing Plants

This paper focuses on the use of solar energy in the dairy industry in New Zealand. Included is an examination of historical records related to milk production and processing during peak levels of solar radiation. The study also includes an analyzation of four types of solar collectors, including: glazed flat plates, evacuated tubes, evacuated tubes with CPC reflectors and a building-integrated solar collector under development at the University of Waikato (UoW). The results of these analyzations are included in the study.

Integration of a Solar Thermal System in a Dairy Process

This paper analyzes several scenarios of the integration of a solar thermal system in the production process of dairy. The results show that in the parameters of the scenario(s) examined in the study, solar thermal potential was considerable, and should be examined as a possibility as an energy option. These results could be considered when developing AgriSolar operations that include solar and dairy.