American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Sol Systems have collaborated to launch a new initiative, promoting the use of sustainable agriculture and clean energy through agrivoltaics. The project, located at Sol Systems’ Eldorado Phase II project in Illinois, will cultivate Kernza, a perennial grain, under solar panels. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of growing Kernza alongside solar energy production, providing a model for sustainable land use that benefits both the land and local communities. The project aims to:
1. Assess the technical viability of Kernza production on a utility-scale solar site;
2. Enhance soil and water quality through sustainable land management practices;
3. Foster collaboration among researchers, solar developers, and farmers to integrate solar energy and agriculture.
The project will run for four years, with AFT managing relationships with farmers, assisting with grain cultivation, and locating grain processors and end-users. The data collected will inform future agrivoltaics projects, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable agriculture and clean energy integration. The partners believe that successful integration of solar energy and agriculture can benefit local communities and the environment, providing a sustainable model for the future.