By Andi Anderson
The future of vegetable farming may lie in the power of the sun — not just for photosynthesis, but for renewable energy too. Iowa State University is exploring this potential through a unique agrivoltaics project that merges solar power generation with large-scale vegetable production.
Ajay Nair, Professor and Chair of the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University, leads this innovative project located at the Alliant Solar Farm. He will share insights during two sessions at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo (GLEXPO) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Wednesday, December 10.
The first session, held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., will explain how to establish a functional vegetable operation within a solar energy project. Nair will discuss the process of developing a 10-acre agrivoltaic site that generates 1.3 megawatts of electricity while supporting commercial vegetable production.
The session will serve as a step-by-step guide for growers and solar developers interested in integrating both systems successfully.
The second session, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., will highlight the vegetable production outcomes at the Alliant Solar Farm. Nair will share findings on the growth, yield, and quality of bell peppers, squash, and broccoli grown under solar panels. The results, he says, may surprise attendees with the efficiency and productivity of this dual-use model.
These sessions aim to inspire collaboration between solar energy producers and farmers, offering a path toward sustainable agriculture that benefits both food and energy systems.
Growers, researchers, and renewable energy developers can register for these sessions through the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo website. This initiative showcases how innovation in horticulture can drive environmental and economic progress for the future of farming.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zbynek-pospisil
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education, General