CFAES researchers are pioneering an agrivoltaics project to harmonize solar energy production with agricultural activities on the same land, focusing on optimizing the growth and quality of alfalfa and cool-season grasses.
“The primary goal of the project is to enhance the understanding of agronomic forage production within solar farms,” said Braden Campbell, a CFAES assistant professor and an OSU Extension small ruminant specialist.
“The team aims to develop best practices for establishing forages, integrating grazing strategies, maximizing soil health, and utilizing precision agriculture technologies,” he said. “The long-term vision is to demonstrate the commercial-scale application of agricultural forage cropping systems into a 1,034-acre, 180-megawatt utility-scale solar farm.”
The research is divided into four focal areas. First, it investigates the use of agronomic forages within utility-scale solar farms, addressing the impacts of forage yield and quality in relation to shade and moisture availability. Second, it explores the integration of livestock production, focusing on the adaptability of forages and the health and behavior of livestock, particularly sheep.
The third area is the incorporation of precision agriculture equipment, operations, and management to reduce human error-causing damage to photovoltaic equipment. Lastly, the project aims to remediate soil compaction and enhance soil health, critical aspects often overlooked in utility-scale solar installations.
The project is currently being conducted within a utility-scale solar farm, with the potential to apply the research findings at any scale. The U.S. Department of Energy sponsors the project through the Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) funding program, in partnership with Savion and their agrivoltaics group.
The target audience for this research includes forage and livestock producers, farmers, landowners, solar developers, community stakeholders, agricultural equipment manufacturers, and government representatives.
“The ultimate goal is to identify multi-use land strategies that offer the best economic, environmental, and social benefits,” Campbell said.
The project, set to span four years, is a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions for the future of agriculture and energy production. It underscores the potential of agrivoltaics as a viable strategy for sustainable land use, paving the way for a greener future.