InSPIRE/Sites/Connexus Energy HQ: Solar Farmland for Emerging Farmers

Connexus Energy HQ: Solar Farmland for Emerging Farmers

Minnesota: Crop Production

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Project Details

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Located at the Connexus Energy headquarters in Ramsey, MN, the site includes both pollinator-friendly habitat as well as vegetable crop production.

Project Website https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/usda-officials-help-launch-agrivoltaic-demo-projects-at-minnesota-state-fair/

Project Owner Connexus Energy

Project Developer Connexus Energy

EIA ID None

Year Installed 2014

Crop Types Vegetables (kohlrabi, cabbage, kale, chard, peppers, basil, tomatoes)

Crop Location In-between Panels

Cultivated Land 0.0137 Acres

Habitat TypePollinator, Native grasses

Agrivoltaic Partners The Food Group, Big River Farms

Monofacial PV

South Fixed

1.2 acres

0.245 MWdc

18" Panel height

Crop Production, Habitat

Research Details

Research Ongoing Yes

InSPIRE Research Site Yes

Parent Research Site Minnesota: Crop Production

Research Summary Crop production

Research Objectives 1. Evaluate vegetable crop success (harvest yield, water stress, pest and animal damage) between fixed south panels

Research Methods 1. Quantify crop yield per plant 2. Track crop success through water stress, insect damage, and animal damage

Preliminary Results Research is ongoing

Press and News Features https://www.startribune.com/could-solar-panels-be-integrated-into-farms-instead-of-taking-acreage-out-of-commission/600215931/

https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/usda-officials-help-launch-agrivoltaic-demo-projects-at-minnesota-state-fair/ https://hpj.com/2023/09/01/solar-agrivoltaics-touted-at-minnesota-state-fair/ https://cleantechnica.com/2023/08/28/agrivoltaics-to-save-us-farmland-from-buildings/ https://tcbmag.com/usda-officials-tout-solar-projects-in-minnesota/

https://solarindustrymag.com/pilot-project-aims-to-increase-solar-preserve-farm-land

Site Details

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Climate Zone 6A

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4b

Project Partners

NREL, Connexus Energy, Big River Farms, The Food Group

Last modified: 2024-01-16

Crop ProductionHabitat

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