American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA)

Speaking at the Solar Farm Summit yesterday was a great opportunity to share and learn about the latest in U.S. agrivoltaics. And I was thrilled to announce an upcoming prize opportunity for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and landowners and solar developers to co-locate cattle grazing and solar —the American-Made Large Animal and Solar System Operations (LASSO) Prize. With around one-third of U.S. land used for grazing cattle and other large livestock, co-locating photovoltaics and grazing operations could help preserve agricultural land, generate additional income for landowners, farmers, and ranchers, and ease barriers to solar energy deployment, all while helping decarbonize the energy grid. The LASSO Prize will provide more than $8 million in cash prizes to develop innovative co-location practices, build pilot sites, and share information on best practices, costs, energy, and agricultural outcomes. Farmers, ranchers, solar developers, landowners, product designers, extension agents, and researchers are encouraged to follow the prize and begin forming teams ahead of the formal launch expected in September. http://www.herox.com/LASSO

In the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert lies the Talatan Solar Park, a colossal 2.2GW solar installation that ranks as the world's second-largest. Before its construction began in 2012, the landscape was desolate, with the desert covering 98.5% of the terrain and relentless winds posing a threat to the expensive equipment. In an attempt to mitigate damage, workers planted grass seeds, but the unexpected consequence of the solar panels buffering wind and reducing evaporation led to the grass flourishing excessively, risking shading out the sun. To address this unforeseen challenge, the ingenious solution of introducing photovoltaic goats was implemented. These goats graze on the grass, aiding in maintaining an optimal balance while also contributing to greening the solar park through their droppings. Today, approximately 80% of the ground is adorned with vegetation, thanks to the presence of 20,000 goats roaming the park. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides additional income for local herders, who are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the panels. This unique blend of solar energy and agriculture, known as agrivoltaics, stands as a commendable success story, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions in sustainable development.

My job has its perks! 🐑 Last night I had the chance to share plans for agrivoltaics on a large solar project Urban Grid is building in a community facing change. The practice improves soil quality and provides opportunity for local graziers and beekeepers 🐝 while maintaining the familiar agricultural landscape throughout the life of the project. Thank you to my new partners Daniel Dotterer and Allison Wickham for your invaluable contributions to our event last night. 🙌🇺🇸☀️ Learn more here: https://solargrazing.org/ PS This is Princess, 6 days old.😍 She did not accept the offer to join my team.

My favorite kind of learning is that which is co-produced, co-deliberated, and collaborated among a group of people who care deeply and have come together to solve problems and make the world better by doing. This is what we accomplished in our agrivoltaics workshop last week in Bluffton, Georgia! We listened to each other, got boots on the ground, focused our minds, employed our creativity, and we will all go home with new seeds to sow because of it… 🌱☀️ Thank you to our team that made it possible: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Silicon Ranch Corporation White Oak Pastures Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR) National Renewable Energy Laboratory Quanterra Systems Nick de Vries Will Harris Jordan Macknick Becca Jones-Albertus Keith Paustian Lily Edwards-Callaway Taylor Bacon Rebecca Mitchell Robert Clement Carly Redding Matt Beasley

Our three-day workshop on solar grazing is an innovative approach to sustainable land use that combines renewable energy production with responsible livestock grazing. This unique experience offers a deep dive into the intricacies of solar grazing, led by experts from White Oak Pastures and solar site owners/managers. Over the course of three days, you will explore various aspects of solar grazing, from site tours to contract negotiations, and gain insights into how this practice can be integrated into diverse farm operations. Get more details and secure your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/dwDwDw6i