Dual-Use Solar: Exploring the Synergy of Crops and Clean Energy | EP227

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Greg Barron-Gafford, a professor at the University of Arizona and a pioneer in the field of agrivoltaics. Recorded at the Solar Farm Summit, this conversation dives deep into the exciting world of dual-use solar, where crops and solar panels coexist in mutually beneficial arrangements.

Barron-Gafford shares his journey into agrivoltaics, which began with studying the potential heat island effect of solar farms. His research led to a groundbreaking discovery: reintroducing vegetation to solar installations could increase panel efficiency by about 3% through natural cooling processes. This insight sparked a series of innovative projects exploring the synergies between agriculture and solar energy production.

The discussion covers the numerous benefits of agrivoltaics, including improved water conservation, increased crop yields, and enhanced solar panel efficiency. Barron-Gafford explains how partial shading from solar panels can actually boost productivity for many crops, including some surprising examples like beans and leafy greens. He also touches on the potential for agrivoltaics to address water scarcity issues in drought-prone regions like the American Southwest.

The conversation expands to explore the global implications of agrivoltaics, with Barron-Gafford describing an international network of research sites spanning from Mexico to Morocco. This collaborative effort aims to study how agrivoltaic systems perform in different climates and how they might adapt to future environmental conditions.

The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for implementing agrivoltaics in different regions, including the Midwest and California's Central Valley. 

This episode offers a comprehensive look at the cutting-edge intersection of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, providing valuable information for anyone interested in the future of food and energy production.

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