Key Takeaways
- Innovative Agrivoltaics Project: American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Sol Systems partner to integrate solar energy production with sustainable agriculture.
- Focus on Kernza Grain: The project will cultivate Kernza®, a deep-rooted perennial grain, under solar panels in Illinois.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: Kernza improves soil health, carbon sequestration, and water retention while serving as an ingredient for bakeries, breweries, and other food producers.
- Smart Solar Principles in Action: AFT’s Smart Solar principles guide the project, demonstrating the coexistence of clean energy and agriculture.
- Research and Data Collection: The initiative will run for four years, collecting technical and economic data on Kernza production within a solar farm setting.
AFT and Sol Systems Introduce Agrivoltaics with Kernza® Grain
American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Sol Systems have announced a groundbreaking agrivoltaics initiative to integrate solar energy with commercial crop production. The partnership, aligned with AFT’s Smart Solar principles, will focus on growing Kernza®, a perennial grain, under solar panels at Sol Systems’ Eldorado Phase II project in Illinois.
This marks one of the first large-scale agrivoltaics projects in the region utilizing Kernza and aims to prove the viability of dual-use land that supports clean energy generation and sustainable agriculture.
Environmental and Agricultural Benefits of Kernza®
Developed by The Land Institute, Kernza offers multiple benefits for farmers and the environment:
- Deep Root System: Kernza’s roots extend 10+ feet, enhancing nutrient and water uptake while improving soil organic matter.
- Carbon Sequestration: Helps mitigate climate change by storing carbon deep within the soil.
- Versatile Use: Kernza is used in bakeries, breweries, and food production, creating economic opportunities for local communities.
- Sustainable Water Use: The grain promotes efficient water retention, supporting long-term land productivity.
Advancing Research and Practical Implementation
The project aims to achieve three primary goals:
- Assess Kernza’s viability in a utility-scale agrivoltaics system.
- Enhance soil and water quality through sustainable land management.
- Foster collaboration among researchers, solar developers, and farmers to integrate solar energy and agriculture effectively.
Expert Perspectives on the Project
Promoting Sustainable Farming and Clean Energy
Ethan Winter, National Smart Solar Director at American Farmland Trust, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “This partnership with Sol Systems represents a significant step forward in our mission to promote sustainable agriculture and clean energy. By leveraging our Smart Solar principles, we aim to demonstrate how solar projects can coexist with productive farmland, benefiting both the environment and local communities.”
Scaling Perennial Grain Agriculture
Tessa Peters, Crops Stewardship Director at The Land Institute, highlighted Kernza’s potential: “By integrating Kernza into this project, we have an opportunity to generate valuable insights into its economic, ecological, and food system benefits. Expanding the application of perennial grains in real-world conditions will help us better understand their potential for farmers and communities alike.”
Harmonizing Solar and Agriculture
Alan Bailey, Midwest Solar Specialist at AFT, underscored the real-world impact: “This project advances AFT’s Smart Solar work in the Midwest by demonstrating the practical application of our principles in a real-world setting. It showcases how solar energy development can be harmonized with agricultural practices, providing a model for sustainable land use that benefits both farmers and the environment.”
A Commitment to Dual-Use Solutions
Juliana Isaac, Director of Sustainability & Ecosystem Impact at Sol Systems, reinforced the project’s mission: “Partnering with American Farmland Trust and The Land Institute on this project underscores our dedication to driving innovative, dual-use solutions. The Kernza perennial grain initiative exemplifies our commitment to accelerating America’s clean energy future in a way that promotes environmental stewardship and community engagement.”
