Pioneering collaboration introduces US' first vertical agrivoltaics system - Interesting Engineering
Pioneering collaboration introduces US' first vertical agrivoltaics system
Pioneering collaboration introduces US' first vertical agrivoltaics systemIn a landmark collaboration, iSun and Next2Sun pioneer the US's inaugural vertical agrivoltaics system, harmonizing clean energy production with agriculture.Can EmirPublished: Dec 25, 2023 09:28 AM ESTinnovationWheat grown in solar photovoltaic areasJenson/iStock Get a daily digest of the latest news in tech, science, and technology, delivered right to your mailbox. Subscribe now.By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Policies You may unsubscribe at any time.In a groundbreaking collaboration, US solar company iSun and German agrivoltaics pioneer Next2Sun Mounting Systems have joined hands to introduce the first vertical agrivoltaics system in the United States. This innovative venture aims to revolutionize solar power generation by combining agricultural practices with cutting-edge solar technology, Next2Sun announced.iSun has been at the forefront of technological innovation for over 50 years, contributing to significant advancements that have shaped the modern world. Jeffrey Peck, iSun CEO, emphasizes the company's unwavering commitment to accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies. Today, iSun recognizes clean, renewable solar energy as the key investment for a sustainable future, actively driving the transition from conventional to clean energy solutions. See Also Related Discover 13 Cutting-Edge Vertical Farming Innovations Transforming Agriculture China unveils 'world's first' AI-powered vertical farm with 20-floors Vertical solar panels could save farm land and transform agriculture Next2Sun's concept involves vertically installed, bifacial solar modules, optimizing power production during traditionally low availability periods, and minimizing the impact on agricultural land. Heiko Hildebrandt, CEO of Next2Sun AG, notes the significance of their vertical system in areas like the northeast of the USA, producing electricity when conventional PV systems are less efficient.Vermont's pioneer project: The first vertical agrivoltaics plantThe collaboration's inaugural project is set to unfold in Vermont, where construction of the first agrivoltaics plant with the Next2Sun system will commence in early 2024. Spanning 3.7 acres, the installation will feature 69 vertical rack elements, each supporting two bifacial solar modules strategically placed 30 feet apart. The innovative design allows cultivating carrots, beetroot, and saffron between the rows, harmonizing solar energy production with agricultural practices.Jeffrey Peck emphasizes the benefits of the Next2Sun system, stating, "Thanks to the vertical mounting of the modules and the adaptability of the installation to the needs of the farmer, the valuable land is almost completely preserved for agriculture."The groundbreaking Vermont project receives support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme of the German Energy Solutions Initiative. This collaboration underscores the global effort to promote sustainable energy solutions.Looking ahead: A sustainable partnershipBoth iSun and Next2Sun express enthusiasm for the collaborative venture. Heiko Hildebrandt acknowledges iSun as a partner, sharing the vision of accelerating the energy transition. The partnership marks a significant step toward integrating vertical agrivoltaics into the US energy landscape, providing a model for sustainable practices that balance energy production and agricultural needs.In conclusion, the joint effort between iSun and Next2Sun represents a milestone in pursuing cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. The Vermont project is a pioneering example of how vertical agrivoltaics can harmonize with traditional agriculture, preserving valuable land while meeting the increasing demand for clean energy in the US. HomeInnovationAdd Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.SHOW COMMENT (1) For You How is ChatGPT biased? Researchers identify a variety of concernsAre we closer than ever to 3D printing virtually anything?Twin study finds that a vegan diet improves cardiovascular healthUK rocket company edges closer to first sustainable satellite launchUSMC’s AH-1Z Viper is the most advanced gunshipHow atomic clocks can help in the search for dark matterSolar energy myths debunked: Here's why you should stop believing themJWST turns two, marking yet another epic year of discoveriesAI's role in shaping virtual worlds and player engagement in gamingThis Canadian company converts classic cars into electric vehicles Job Board
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: renewables
Renewable energy sources — once the fuel of the future, then practical in specific, narrow applications — are increasingly economic mainstream sources of power generation. Hydropower was long the mainstay of U.S. renewable electricity generation, although wind power surpassed hydro for the first time in 2019, and solar continues its rapid growth. The continued growth of wind and solar, with their fluctuations, is tied in part to improvements in storage technology: batteries.