Iowa ISU AgPV Tour Recap
On tour!
Owen and I had the opportunity to tour Iowa State University’s agrivoltaic research array! I would like to share some great info and fun facts we learned, as well as some photos.
Look at that broccoli!
Background:
The agrivoltaic research array is a partnership between ISU (primarily the Horticulture Department) and Alliant Energy
The partnership began with the support and urging from the ISU president and Alliant Energy CEO
ISU focuses its research on replicability and implications for growers and industry outside of the university system (primarily within the Iowa market)
Iowa is a significant producer of corn, soybeans, eggs/laying hens, and swine (fun fact: at any one time of day, there are 2 million pigs on the roads in transit in Iowa)
Fun fact: Iowa used to be the #4 apple producer in the country. The “red delicious” apple variety was developed at ISU
Alliant Energy leases the land from ISU and owns the system, with an agreement that research will take place within the rows of panels
The array includes fixed-tilt and single-axis trackers in various heights and array spacing to provide a variety of settings for research (total system size: 1.375MW)
Alliant Energy did not want to use individual tracker mechanisms as they were concerned they’d fail too often, so they installed a central line through the array that rotates all of the panels (I didn’t get the name of this equipment, but it can be disconnected to get a tractor through during harvest if needed)
The land was originally used to grow corn and soybeans, with one planting of oats just prior to construction
Just the facts, ma'am!
Good finger point, Owen.
Current Research:
Crops currently grown on site include: strawberries, raspberries, broccoli (see photos below), squash, and peppers (infrastructure has also been prepped for grapes)
Each experiment is replicated three times within the array, with a control outside of the array area
The strawberries and broccoli are not centered within the space between panels – this is intentional, and researchers are evaluating the difference in biomass between the two plantings (so far, the plants closer to the panels are growing slightly higher)
Bees are on-site and researchers are tracking which plants the bees visit to find out how far they’re traveling within the array (see photo below)
Researchers are NOT planning to use sheep to graze within the panels because there are no sheep processing facilities nearby, so there’s not much research value for Iowa
Researchers are also tracking how the vegetation beneath the panels impacts energy production
Exploring the Future of Agrivoltaics Research at ISU
Our visit to Iowa State University was nothing short of spectacular, highlighting the prowess of a land-grant institution excelling in extension, research, and teaching. The star of the show was undoubtedly their agrivoltaics array, developed in collaboration with Alliant Energy. This project underscores how land-grant universities are pioneering research into agrivoltaics on a commercial scale.
ISU's diverse array of crops, innovative spacing methods, and the use of both tracking and fixed-tilt systems make it a unique hub for agrivoltaics research in the Midwest. Ray Klein's campus tour, which detailed the rich agricultural history and extensive facilities of the school, was incredibly inspiring. It fueled our excitement to witness further advancements in the agricultural sector.
A particular highlight was the Horticulture Research Station, a treasure trove showcasing everything from pollinators and viticulture to turf grass and orchards. The generosity and expertise of Ajay Nair, Matt O'Neal, Nick Peterson, and Ray Klein truly made the visit memorable.
We eagerly anticipate returning to ISU once their Ag Innovation Center is complete, eager to see more groundbreaking innovations in agriculture. Till then…the touring continues!
Brianna Fiorillo is Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar - brianna.fiorillo@lightstar.com
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. owen.deitcher@lightstar.com
