The North Fork Valley agrivoltaic project, led by the Colorado Farm and Food Alliance, has won a $200,000 Community Power Accelerator Prize from the US Department of Energy (DOE) as part of a community solar competition. The project aims to develop agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power with agriculture, generating clean energy for local farms and residents. The awarded funding will be used for engineering and studies at the Thistle Whistle Community Solar project near Hotchkiss and the feasibility of a second installation at a former coal mine site near Paonia. The project’s goal is to promote community-based solar power, reduce climate harm, and support rural development. With the award, Mirasol Agrivoltaics will fill a leadership position and the project will benefit local farms and residents. The project’s partner, Thistle Whistle Farm, expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the funding, saying it will help preserve agricultural production and provide energy cost savings. The status of the award is uncertain under the new presidential administration, as the program is funded through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has been paused.
Agrivoltaic project receives $200,000 funding boost, but its status remains uncertain amidst current political leadership
