The innovative Agrophotovoltaics (APV) system technology combines agricultural biomass and solar power production on the same site and aims at reducing the conflict between food and power production. Unrelated to this benefit, this technology may impact the landscape negatively and could thus be subject to public opposition and/or restraining frameworks. The presented study offers a System Dynamics (SD) approach, through Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) models, based on the results of citizen workshops, literature research, and expert discussions on the technology. A comprehensive analysis of the driving and restraining forces for the implementation of APV-technology and expected or potential impacts reveals influential factors. Hence, this SD approach identifies bottlenecks and conflicting objectives in the technology implementation that need to be further addressed.
Tag Archive for: AgriSolar
Solar siting is advancing rapidly in New York to meet the state’s climate goals of 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2040, and much of that development is targeted towards farmland. However, with the right policies, incentives and research, solar development can avoid or minimize the most serious negative impacts on the availability and viability of New York’s best farmland and the strength of its agricultural economy and food security. Implementing the smart solar siting strategies recommended in this report can help farmers and agricultural communities capitalize on the benefits of solar development, explore new markets, participate in cutting-edge research partnerships, and continue growing the food we need now and in the future, all while combatting climate change.
Given the proven technical, economic, and environmental advantages provided by agrivoltaic systems, increased proliferation is anticipated, which necessitates accounting for the nuances of community resistance to solar development on farmland.
The identified concerns in this study can be used to refine the technology to increase adoption among farmers and to translate the potential of agrivoltaics to address the competition for land between solar PV and agriculture into changes in solar siting, farming practice, and land-use decision-making.
As the number of solar parks in the UK increases, there is growing interest in the interaction of wildlife with ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. The aim of this document is to identify potential ecological issues of solar PV (as relevant to the UK).
This paper briefly describes the potential value of agrivoltaic systems for resource-poor, smallholder farmers in dryland areas of Central and West Asia and North Africa, with general applicability to regions that are characterized by similar environments for economic, policy and climate related challenges.
This is a two-page checklist covering the important issues for both shepherds and solar site managers to consider when managing vegetation under solar panels by grazing sheep. The checklist for solar-site operators includes grazing vs. mowing expectations, insurance updates, and arrangement considerations for the shepherd. The checklist for the shepherd includes determination of fencing plans, maintenance vehicle considerations, signage for property containing grazing animals, and vegetation management plans, among others.
Photovoltaic panels can provide artificial shades to protect livestock against intense solar radiation while serving as a clean energy source. This study determined livestock shade preference between photovoltaic panels and the classical 80% blockage cloth material, and quantified the reduction in radiant heat load provided by these shade structures. The results show that the cattle spent more than 70% of their time in the shade during conditions of the study. These results can be useful in determining best practices on agrisolar operations that include livestock.
This American Solar Grazing Association Sheep Grazing Agreement Template includes a variety of essentail considerations and topics when developing a contractual agreement between sheep farmers and solar-site managers, including the limited vegetation management approach. Some components of this contract template are adjustable depending on the context of the agreement, such as fee and payment schedules, and those options are highlighted in red in the document. Other components of the template include sheep health, welfare and management details, contract prices, use of herbicides and pesticides, fencing, signage and various maintenance concerns.
This American Solar Grazing Association Sheep Grazing Agreement Template includes a variety of essential considerations and topics when developing a contractual agreement between sheep farmers and solar-site managers, including the comprehensive vegetation management approach. Some components of this contract template are adjustable depending on the context of the agreement, such as fee and payment schedules, and those options are highlighted in red in the document. Other components of the template include sheep health, welfare and management details, contract prices, use of herbicides and pesticides, fencing, signage and various maintenance concerns.
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AgriSolar News Roundup: Agrisolar in Nova Scotia, Albania Agrisolar Law, World Soil Day December 11, 2024 - 12:48 pm
Case Study: Fiddlehead FarmsNovember 21, 2024 - 8:24 am
SCAPES Agrivoltaics Survey November 12, 2024 - 4:29 pm- AgriSolar News Roundup: Agrisolar Development, Aquavoltaics in Taiwan, Illinois Solar Grazing November 12, 2024 - 9:46 am