This Alberta solar field is becoming a high-tech hobby farm on the side

This summer, a unique solar field in Alberta is not only generating about 40 megawatts of electricity each sunny day but also producing eggs, honey, meat, and wool. With 110,000 solar panels spread across 130 hectares of land, in addition to 400 sheep, 40 pigs, and 100 chickens, the site near the town of Strathmore is starting to resemble a hobby farm. This innovative project is owned by Edmonton-based Capital Power and aims to test new technology and farming techniques while meeting the growing demand for electricity in Canada.

The latest addition to the solar field is a flock of chickens that have started laying eggs inside their new mobile coop. The coop, designed by Manitoba-based startup UKKÖ Robotics, moves between rows of solar panels, providing fresh grass for the chickens to graze on and evenly spreading manure on the land. This self-propelled pasture barn is a new concept that aims to revolutionize animal farming practices while optimizing land use.

As the solar industry continues to expand in Alberta, concerns have been raised about the impact on farmland. To address these concerns, the Alberta and Ontario governments have introduced rules that restrict solar panel development on prime agricultural land and require solar operators to incorporate some form of agriculture on the site. Sheep farmer Janna Grier, co-founder of Solar Sheep, believes that solar farming and traditional farming can coexist harmoniously. She manages the vegetation at the solar field and aims to maximize the production of protein and local food per acre.

In addition to chickens and sheep, the solar field will soon be home to bees housed in a climate-controlled building designed by Calgary startup Bee Cube. These mobile indoor apiaries can house up to 20 hives and are equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, weight, and bee activity. The data collected will help beekeepers monitor hive health and potentially integrate artificial intelligence for early warning systems and management tips. This innovative approach to beekeeping aims to address the alarming decline in bee populations.

While the main objective of the Strathmore solar field is to generate electricity, the agricultural activities on the site are equally important. Capital Power is embarking on a 10-year soil-testing program to assess the impact of livestock, rotational grazing, and vegetation management on soil conditions. The goal is to demonstrate that solar farms can coexist with agriculture and leave the land in better condition than before.

Wade Heuscher, solar manager for Capital Power, believes that the integration of agriculture and solar energy is the way of the future. He emphasizes the importance of partnerships between solar providers and farmers to maximize the potential of solar farms. The synergy between solar energy and agriculture at the Strathmore site serves as a model for sustainable land use and innovative farming practices.

As the solar industry continues to evolve, projects like the one in Strathmore are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. By combining renewable energy generation with agricultural practices, these sites are demonstrating the potential for coexistence and collaboration between different sectors. The Strathmore solar field is not just a source of clean energy but a living example of how innovation and technology can lead to a more harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.