A new pilot program specifically focused on agrivoltaics will soon be taking place on New Jersey farmland.
According to SNJ Today, the dual-use solar pilot program will lead the process of installing solar panels on eligible farms to test their ability to serve as a new source of income for farmers. The initiative was approved by the New Jersey Public Utilities Commission.
The government took public input into account when developing the scheme, which will start accepting applications in the new year. The data collected will be used to build more durable plans.
“This pilot program demonstrates our whole-of-government approach to achieving clean energy goals, combining the success of solar installations with economic growth for local farmers and working with critical feedback from the communities implementing the program,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy told SNJ Today.
Agrivoltaics combine agriculture with solar energy by installing panels on existing farmland. This doubles land utilization and creates additional income for farmers. Producing affordable, clean energy through projects like this is growing in popularity.
“This partnership will allow us to continue to rapidly expand clean energy while benefiting farmers,” said Governor Murphy.
New Jersey has demonstrated its commitment to expanding access to affordable energy. Nearly 250,000 homes and businesses in the state have solar installed, with capacity more than doubling in the past seven years.
“This program will help shape the future of New Jersey’s energy landscape by helping our farmers develop comprehensive projects that demonstrate how agriculture and energy production can work together on the same land,” New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn told SNJ Today.
Introducing solar energy into agriculture can help clean up the food and agriculture industry and make it more environmentally friendly. It can also save resources, curb pollution, and bring us one step closer to a clean energy future.
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