By Jamie Martin
The integration of solar energy into farming, known as agrivoltaics, is being simplified thanks to new tools from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. These tools, created to assist farmers in making informed decisions about using their land for both agriculture and solar energy production, were developed in response to the increasing interest in sustainable farming practices.
Researchers at UMass Amherst's Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) have introduced two spreadsheet-based tools. These tools analyze whether it's economically sensible for farmers to adopt solar technology alongside their crop activities.
"We wanted to come up with a tool that farmers could use to spitball whether solar is right for them," stated Jill Fitzsimmons, a research assistant professor involved in the project.
The tools are versatile, initially designed for specific crops like lettuce and cranberries but easily adjustable for other agricultural operations. They consider various factors, such as the cost implications of solar technology, potential revenue from energy production, and the impact on crop yields.
With the U.S. Department of Energy aiming to cover millions of acres with solar installations by 2050, understanding the implications for crop production is crucial. These tools from UMass Amherst are pivotal in providing farmers with the necessary data to consider agrivoltaics as a viable and profitable farming method, ensuring that every decision is supported by comprehensive analysis and tailored to individual farm needs.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: National