UMass tools evaluate solar array benefits
The intersection of agriculture and solar energy, known as agrivoltaics, offers potential economic benefits and sustainability for farmers.
To assist in evaluating these opportunities, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have introduced a set of analytical tools.
Developed with the insights of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass, these tools are tailored to help farmers make calculated decisions about incorporating solar arrays into their land use. They allow for an analysis of various factors, including the financial trade-offs of different solar setups against traditional farming practices
"We wanted to come up with a tool that farmers could use to spitball whether solar is right for them. This helps farmers and those who support them think about the practical considerations of pursuing agrivoltaics," explained Jill Fitzsimmons, a leading researcher at UMass Amherst.
By inputting data related to crop-specific activities and whole-farm economic impacts, users can generate estimates for costs, revenues, and yields.
Although initially focused on lettuce and cranberry production, the flexibility of these tools means they can be adjusted to suit a wide range of crops.
The tools also complement efforts like the InSpire project by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which forecasts revenue and energy outputs from solar installations. This integration of tools and research aims to provide a comprehensive resource for farmers considering the shift to solar-enhanced agriculture.
With ongoing research and the development of these tools, UMass Amherst supports farmers in navigating the complexities of agrivoltaics, helping to shape a sustainable agricultural landscape for the future.