Byron Kominek, a farmer in Colorado, has found a innovative way to generate income on his 24-acre farm. He installed 3,276 solar panels on his property, which generates enough electricity to power approximately 300 homes. Kominek’s farm, Jack’s Solar Garden, is a nationally recognized site for agrivoltaic research, a field that combines agriculture and photovoltaics.
Kominek’s decision to install solar panels was driven by a desire to create a passive income stream to help sustain his farm. He realized that traditional solar arrays could have negative impacts on the land, such as soil compaction and habitat loss. By elevating the solar panels eight feet, Kominek has been able to create a shaded area that allows for the growth of crops and grazing of animals.
The project has been a success, with Kominek earning an estimated $20,000 annually from selling energy to subscribers. The shaded area has also allowed for the growth of crops, such as salad greens, corn, and radishes, which have flourished in the partial shade of the solar panels.
Industry experts value Colorado’s solar market at $8.1 billion, and investors have poured $2.3 billion into solar projects in 2023 alone. However, Kominek argues that the current evaluation system for large-scale solar projects prioritizes cheap energy over land stewardship and agricultural activities.
Kominek believes that agrivoltaics could be a game-changer for farmers and communities, but notes that the industry is still in its early stages. He is working to educate others about the benefits of agrivoltaics and is advocating for policy changes that prioritize land stewardship and agricultural activities.