Iowa State University (ISU) has taken a pioneering step in renewable energy research with the launch of an innovative project at the Alliant Solar Farm. This endeavor aims to investigate the combination of crops and solar power, exploring the potential benefits and environmental impacts of agrivoltaics.

Under the guidance of esteemed professionals, including Ajay Nair, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Matt O’Neal, Professor in Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, and Anne Kimber, Director of the Electric Power Research Center, students from the horticulture, agriculture, and engineering departments at ISU will collaborate on this groundbreaking research.

Supported by a substantial $1.8 million grant from the US Department of Energy’s Foundational Agrivoltaic Research program, the project sets out to examine the performance of crops under different solar configurations. Horticulture and agriculture students will meticulously analyze how crops fare when grown alongside solar arrays of varying heights.

Simultaneously, engineering students will delve into solar production data to assess how different crop plantings impact solar energy production. This holistic approach reflects ISU’s commitment to producing rigorous, interdisciplinary research that extends beyond mere energy generation.

Partnering with Alliant Energy, ISU has established this research collaboration at the Alliant Solar Farm. The solar array, owned and operated by Alliant Energy, occupies land leased from ISU for this project. The team involved in the venture includes general contractor Waldinger Corp., subcontractor Ideal Energy for solar design and commissioning, and Shive-Hattery, Inc., providing engineering services.

Ideal Energy, in particular, played a crucial role in designing the 1.757 MW DC / 1.375 MW AC solar field, divided into two parts. The first segment features an 811 kW DC fixed-tilt solar array facing south, with varying heights and a mix of two- and five-foot leading edges, to scrutinize growing conditions. The second segment comprises a 946 kW DC single-axis active tracker, with distinct heights of five to six feet and eight to nine feet, stimulating further study.

Researchers intend to investigate which crops thrive in the modified solar microclimate created by the arrays. Fruits, vegetables, and pollinator habitats will be planted, alongside an analysis of how solar site maintenance affects cultivation.

The Iowa State Agrivoltaics Project holds vast potential for further advancements in the renewable energy industry, spawning new understanding and potential benefits for communities. Through its interdisciplinary collaboration and forward-thinking approach, ISU paves the way for innovative solutions that could enhance both agriculture and clean energy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.