Out and About with Owen: Attending the World Agrivoltaics Conference
Hello, Sustainability Enthusiasts and Solar Innovators!
Welcome to another edition of "Out and About with Owen." Today, I’m thrilled to share my experience attending the World Agrivoltaics Conference, an event that showcased the latest advancements in integrating agriculture with solar energy.
Welcome to the World Agrivoltaics Conference
The World Agrivoltaics Conference, organized by Conexio-PSE, made its U.S. debut this year. Held in beautiful Colorado, the conference brought together experts from around the globe to discuss the future of agrivoltaics.
Lucy Bullock-Sieger, VP of Strategy and Owen Deitcher, Development Associate at Lightstar - Lightstar was a proud sponsor!
Opening Day Highlights
The first day kicked-off with inspiring presentations from notable organizations including NREL, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and a special video message from Governor Jared Polis. The event set the tone for an incredible week of learning and networking.
Key Panels and Discussions
One of the standout panels featured our own Lucy Bullock-Sieger, who spoke passionately about the progress and potential of the agrivoltaics industry. The sessions were rich with insights, thanks to a diverse group of domestic and international speakers.
The Importance of Hosting in the U.S.
This year’s conference marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the event was hosted in the U.S. Given the critical moment for scaling agrivoltaic solutions in the country, the timing couldn't have been better. The discussions highlighted the need for rapid adoption of innovative agricultural practices on solar sites.
Event Highlights
Here are some of my personal highlights from the conference:
Engaged in incredible conversations with peer developers eager to deploy agrivoltaics across both utility and distributed generation.
Enjoyed delicious solar-grazed lamb at the conference dinner.
Spoke with a researcher from Temple University who analyzed potential urban agrivoltaics in Philadelphia (shoutout to my hometown, Philly!).
Connected with Cornell researchers Henry Williams and Hyun-Yong Chung
Additionally, I caught up with friends at Hyperion Systems, including Austin Hazlehurst.
Major Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from the conference:
Cattle Grazing Innovation: Beyond sheep, cattle grazing is poised to become a massive innovation in agrivoltaics. Developers should explore accessible designs that promote additional grazing operations.
Research Collaboration: Developers need to collaborate with researchers by inviting them to commercially scaled solar fields for practical research. Building relationships with land grant institutions can enhance the design and implementation of these projects.
Action Plans Needed: It’s time for less talk and more action. Developers must create actionable plans, secure buy-in from leadership, and initiate pilot projects. Smaller-scale projects under 10MW can pave the way for integrating crops and grazing beyond just sheep.
A Special Invitation from EDF Renewables and Huwa's + H2 Enterprises - while I was in CO…
One of the major highlights of being in CO for the conference, was an invitation to an event by EDF Renewables and Huwa's + H2 Enterprises.
H2 provides strategic solutions, advanced services, and superior quality in all aspects of reclamation, technology, science, energy, and renewables.
Watch their very cool “about us” video here!
We witnessed cattle in pens with solar panels, showcasing that cattle enjoy the shade without interacting with the panels. The event featured insightful talks from the Huwa family and Josh Bennett from EDF, followed by a roundtable discussion.
It was inspiring to witness the dedication of the Huwa family and H2 Enterprises to best practices in soil, construction, and cattle management. Their expertise is a valuable asset as agrivoltaics scales up, and their approach can be replicated with large-scale land-owning families.
Join the Movement
Attending the World Agrivoltaics Conference was an enlightening experience. It reaffirmed the importance of community-driven innovation in sustainable development. As we continue to build a brighter future through solar energy, I invite you to join me on this mission.
Whether it's exploring the potential of cattle grazing in agrivoltaics or collaborating with researchers, there is always more to discover and learn in this ever-evolving field. As we work towards a more sustainable future, events like the World Agrivoltaics Conference serve as an incredible platform for exchanging ideas and fostering partnerships.
Let's continue to push the boundaries and advance the integration of agriculture and solar energy. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come. See you at the next conference!
Where is Owen next? Meet up with me at the Solar Farm Summit!
Lightstar is a sponsor and I will be on hand to talk about racking design, and all things livestock and photovoltaics, just to name a few topics…Hope to see you there!
Stay tuned for Owen’s next installment of “Out and About With Owen!”
Meet Owen Deitcher, a dynamic Development Associate at Lightstar, whose passion for community solar and agrivoltaics illuminates his work and personal adventures. Owen isn't just part of our team; he's the heart of our mission, bringing the spirit of community to everything we do in solar energy. Travelling across the country and occasionally Europe, he dives deep into rural communities, engaging with farmers and locals, enriching his understanding, and advocating for a brighter, sustainable future. Beyond his professional pursuits, Owen’s love for travel and meeting new people fuels his quest for knowledge and connection, making him a true advocate for rural communities and sustainable development. Join Owen on his mission to empower communities through solar energy, one conversation at a time.
