Northern Michigan farmers explore solar energy to boost sustainability

NORTHERN MICHIGAN., (WPBN/QGTU)— Northern Michigan farmers may soon harness the power of the sun not just for crop growth, but to keep their farms running efficiently.

Michigan State University (MSU) is spearheading research into agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy with traditional farming practices.

George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch Director, emphasized the importance of this research for farmers. “It’s an important question for our farmers, so they can make informed decisions of whether or not they want to go in this direction in the future,” he said.

The state of Michigan, along with various energy companies, is focusing on increasing energy production, with solar energy being a key area of interest.

Smith explained, “The goal of this research is to explore the feasibility of being able to do both. Both use that farmland for harvesting solar energy and grow agricultural commodities, food crops, other crops underneath those solar arrays.”

Currently, MSU is testing solar arrays with apple orchards in Oceana County, but the research is expected to expand.

“Our goal is not to start and stop looking at tree fruit. But to be able to expand our research footprint, to look at other commodities,” Smith said.

The project aims to answer three critical questions: Can enough power be generated to benefit growers? How will fruit trees respond to the agrivoltaics system? Is the design economically feasible for grower adoption? Smith noted, “Our research mission is all about doing research to provide dynamic solutions for agriculture and food systems in the environment. One part of those solutions is other revenue sources for farmers beyond the traditional commodity that they produce.”

Lakeview Hill Farm in Grand Traverse County has been utilizing solar panels since 2018. Co-owner John Dindia shared their motivation, “We knew we wanted to be a greenhouse operation. Greenhouses are energy intensive right from the get-go. So, we knew that if we wanted to do this, we wanted to be as renewable resource-based as possible. And so, we decided to go with the panels right from the get-go.”

Dindia highlighted the financial benefits of solar panels, stating, “The solar panels are probably the highest profit-making piece on this farm. With federal grants and state grants that are out there that primarily cover 50% of the cost along with the 30% tax credit. We have payback within two and a half years. The panels are warranted for 20. So that’s essentially 17 and a half years of free electricity producing well over 10,000 dollars’ worth a year.”

For Dindia, the savings allow him to focus on what matters most. “The satisfaction of feeding the community is probably the greatest satisfaction you can get from this occupation,” he said.