InSPIRE/Agrivoltaics Map
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Agrivoltaics Map and Research Partners
The InSPIRE project incorporates partners from the solar industry, universities, and state agencies, including:
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Clif Bar and Company Solar Project
Photo courtesy of Rachel Cohen, Boise State Public Radio
Project Details
- Location: Clif Bar Bakery, Twin Falls, ID
- Array size: 2 MW
- Date of installation: 2019
- Tracking configuration: fixed
- Type of dual land use:
- native vegetation
- pollinator friendly
- Testing on site:
- ground cover surveys
- Previous land type: greenfield
Relevant Company Information
- Owner: Clif Bar and Company
- Developer: Borrego Solar
- Electricity Off-taker: Idaho Power
- O&M Contractor: Kimberly Nurseries
Background Information
Clif Bar established a 2 MW solar site at their bakery in Twin Falls, ID to supply roughly 30% of the electricity needs for the bakery. Along with the solar site, the 5 acres under and around the solar panels were planted with native flowering plants to establish habitat beneficial for pollinators, increase energy production, reduce water use for vegetation, and conserve topsoil. Clif Bar is partnering with local biologists at Kimberly Nurseries and NREL researchers to perform analyses of pollinator vegetation performance and studying the impact of varying irrigation regimes. Along with the solar array on the ground, Clif Bar covered their parking lot with solar canopies and created a nature walk into the solar facility that highlights the benefits of pollinators and renewable energy on the food system.
Research Design
Research will explore the vegetation growth performance of multiple types of seed mixes as well as variations in irrigation schedules.
- Seed Mix: The research will evaluate the performance of 4 different seed mix types underneath the array. These seed mixes differ in terms of the number, types, and ratios of grass and forb species. Two of the seed mixes were part of the original solar installation design. Two additional seed mixes (Perennial Seed Mix 1, Perennial Seed Mix 2), were jointly developed in consultation with the NREL team, and are planted in rows 4 and 7 (see Figure 1 for more details).
- Irrigation Schedule: The research will evaluate the performance of the seed mix types subject to changes in irrigation schedules underneath the array. The irrigation variations will be applied to the seed mix types in selected areas underneath the array, once vegetation has been established.
Press Releases and News Features
- https://www.clifbar.com/press-room/press-releases/clif-bar-and-company-makes-leading-investment-in-renewable-energy
- https://www.borregosolar.com/news/clif-bar-goes-solar-with-new-5-acre-2-mw-solar-farm-in-twin-falls-idaho
- https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/post/national-renewable-energy-lab-studies-plants-twin-falls-solar-field#stream/0
Press Releases and News Features
- NREL: Jordan Macknick
- Clif Bar: Elysa Hammond
University of Massachusetts Deerfield Research Station
Photo: Dennis Schroeder/NREL
Project Details
- Location: Amherst, MA
- Array size: 17 kW
- Date of installation: 2011
- Tracking configuration: fixed
- Type of dual land use:
- co-location with agriculture
- Testing on site:
- crop monitoring
- Previous land type: previously tilled agricultural land
Relevant Company Information
- Owner: University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Developer: Hyperion Systems LLC
Background Information
Researchers in the University of Massachusetts School of Agriculture have studied agrivoltaic systems located at the agricultural extension since 2011. Initially, grass was grown on the site and cows grazed on the land. Researchers then shifted to studying crop growth of various vegetable species (kale, swiss chard, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, etc.) grown underneath and around elevated solar arrays. Research is focusing on how spacing between panels and the location underneath the array affect crop production. Early results suggest that, when grown under the panels, vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, and Swiss chard can produce about 60 percent of the volume they would in full sun, but this depends greatly on the weather conditions each year.
Research Design
The purpose of this research site is to understand how varying levels of shade from the panels affect crop production. Individual crops are planted every 0.3 meters over a span of 4 meters running north to south underneath the panels, resulting in varying levels of shade. Each crop is replicated four times. Specific crops include broccoli, kale, beans, swiss chard, and peppers.
Press Releases and News Features
Press Releases and News Features
- NREL: Jordan Macknick
- Hyperion Systems: https://hyperionsystemsllc.com/
- University of Massachusetts: Stephen Herbert
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