T h e B u s in e s s Of D a ir y What is
AGRIVOLTAICS? For those farmers who don’t want
to wait several decades to use the land, there is sometimes the option
of agrivoltaics. This term describes
the intertwining of agricultural
activities with solar panels. Some energy companies and farmers
have been experimenting with using farmland to both harness solar power and continue some level of
farming. Beehives around the solar
panels are one way of incorporating agrivoltaics. Depending on the
height of the solar panels, livestock can still exist and graze between
the structures, too. Small animals, like poultry, can easily roam among
the panels and benefit from an area that provides both sun between
the panels and shade underneath
them. Some solar farms offer solar panels that are set a bit higher —
Reduce the Risk of Contamination
about 7 feet — allowing other forms
Our color-coded offering can help minimize the risk of crosscontamination and lay the foundation for a solid food safety program.
of livestock to co-exist. Sheep are
probably the most common, as they can easily graze under and
between the solar panels, but even cows and horses can be in the mix depending on the size of the solar
farm and height of the panels. Grazing under the solar panels can actually shade cows from the
sun, and cooler, more comfortable cows are known to be healthier and produce more milk. There is
even current experimentation with growing crops in and around solar panels. Researchers are moving quickly to test the potential of
agrivoltaics, which may add yet another benefit to solar farms.
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