Agrivoltaics is the use of land for both agriculture and solar power. It’s not a new concept, but it is something that is on the minds of UW-Extension. UW–Madison is working with Alliant Energy to plan a solar and agrivoltaics project at the UW-Kegonsa Research Campus near Stoughton. Will Fulwider, Regional Crops Educator with UW Extension, says this project would generate enough clean energy to power more than 450 homes. He explains how solar and agriculture are coming together to benefit the industry. 

“There’s a lot of people around the state that are trying to figure out how we can continue to practice agriculture in solar sites,” says Fulwider. “While the shade it provides can be a benefit for those with grazing operations, it can also be a benefit to some of our cool season grasses.”

Fulwider is particularly interested in the possibilities of grazing sheep and finding what forage plants grow best in that environment. He is focused on figuring out how farmers can make a profit and coexist with solar developers. 

*Photo credit:  Jenna Shoosmith

Agrivoltaics is the use of land for both agriculture and solar power. It’s not a new concept, but it is something that is on the minds of UW-Extension. UW–Madison is working with Alliant Energy to plan a solar and agrivoltaics project at the UW-Kegonsa Research Campus near Stoughton. Will Fulwider, Regional Crops Educator with UW Extension, says this project would generate enough clean energy to power more than 450 homes. He explains how solar and agriculture are coming together to benefit the industry. 
“There’s a lot of people around the state that are trying to figure out how we can continue to practice agriculture in solar sites,” says Fulwider. “While the shade it provides can be a benefit for those with grazing operations, it can also be a benefit to some of our cool season grasses.”
Fulwider is particularly interested in the possibilities of grazing sheep and finding what forage plants grow best in that environment. He is focused on figuring out how farmers can make a profit and coexist with solar developers. 
*Photo credit:  Jenna Shoosmith

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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