In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Ethan Winter and Austin Kinzer from American Farmland Trust (AFT) to explore the world of agrivoltaics. We discuss AFT's "Smart Solar" program, which aims to balance the acceleration of clean energy with the preservation of thriving farms. We explore the challenges and opportunities of dual-use solar projects, examining how agrivoltaics can provide additional revenue for farmers (and farming communities) while keeping land in production.
The conversation touches on farmer attitudes towards solar, highlighting generational differences and the importance of building trust and knowledge in rural communities. Winter and Kinzer provide insights into state-level policies and research on agrivoltaics, as well as the current status and future outlook for these projects in the US. They reveal that currently about 10% of US solar projects involve some form of agrivoltaics, primarily sheep grazing, and discuss the growing interest from energy buyers in the social and environmental attributes of these projects.
Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize the need for careful planning and community engagement to ensure the successful integration of solar power and agriculture, presenting agrivoltaics as a potential solution to balance clean energy goals with farmland preservation.
Social Media Handles
https://farmland.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanhwinter/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-r-kinzer/
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0:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
3:11 American Farmland Trust's Smart Solar Program
4:08 Challenges of Solar Development on Prime Farmland
7:54 Dual-Use Solar and Rural Community Acceptance
10:32 Farmer Perspectives on Solar Development
16:51 Evidence of Agrivoltaics Improving Community Acceptance
21:55 The Role of Agricultural Extension Programs in Agrivoltaics
24:18 AFT's Relationship with Farmers and Trust-Building
29:14 Current Status and Future of Agrivoltaics in the US
31:22 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
