How agrivoltaics is marrying food production with green energy in Alberta
In a surprising twist of innovation, Jason Bradley, the former ranch manager at a 50,000-acre grazing operation in west-central Alberta, has embarked on a new venture as the CEO of Sun Cycle Farms. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Bradley is no stranger to skepticism when it comes to unconventional ideas, such as raising cattle on a working solar farm.
Bradley’s vision became a reality this fall when Sun Cycle Farms conducted a pilot project in southern Alberta, grazing cattle inside a grid-connected solar farm. This successful endeavor not only demonstrated the feasibility of combining livestock production with renewable energy but also showcased the potential for agrivoltaics, a growing field that integrates solar energy production with agricultural activities.
As the CEO of Sun Cycle Farms, Bradley faced the challenge of convincing stakeholders, including asset owners, insurance companies, and investors, of the viability of this innovative approach. However, with the pilot project’s success, Bradley was able to showcase the harmonious co-existence of cattle grazing and solar energy generation.
Agrivoltaics, as practiced by Sun Cycle Farms, is part of a larger trend in North America, where solar farm owners are exploring the benefits of integrating agriculture into their operations. By deploying animals like sheep and pigs to control weeds and reduce the need for maintenance around solar panels, these farms are maximizing land use efficiency and promoting sustainable practices.
One of the key advantages of agrivoltaics, according to solar energy expert Joshua Pearce of Western University, is the creation of a protected micro-environment that benefits crops grown underneath or near solar panels. With reduced exposure to harsh sunlight, wind, and hail, these crops can thrive in a more controlled environment that conserves water and enhances productivity.
The rapid expansion of the solar energy industry in recent years has raised concerns about land use and its impact on rural communities. In response, regulators in provinces like Alberta have introduced new regulations to ensure the compatibility of renewable energy projects with agricultural activities. By requiring developers to prove that their installations can coexist with livestock and crops, these regulations aim to strike a balance between energy generation and land preservation.
In partnership with the Town of Cardston in southern Alberta, Sun Cycle Farms is leading the way in demonstrating the potential of agrivoltaics to address these concerns. By implementing innovative solutions such as electric fencing, solar-powered collars, and robot tractors, the company is paving the way for a future where cattle grazing among solar panels is not only feasible but beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
As research in agrivoltaics continues to evolve, Pearce believes that projects like Sun Cycle Farms’ cattle demonstration are essential for the long-term sustainability of both the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. By fostering collaboration between landowners, farmers, solar developers, and communities, agrivoltaics presents a win-win solution that maximizes land use efficiency and promotes environmental stewardship.
With the promise of “solar burgers” on the horizon, the integration of cattle grazing and solar energy production may soon become a common sight across renewable energy installations. As the industry embraces flexible thinking and innovative solutions, the future of agrivoltaics looks bright, offering a sustainable path forward for both energy generation and agricultural productivity.
