An experimental apple orchard at the Cornell Hudson Valley Research Laboratory in New York is poised to be equipped with solar panels. These panels will not only generate energy by tracking the sun but also offer a protective canopy to the apple trees below, shielding them from extreme temperatures and potential hail damage.
The laboratory plans to deploy a 300-kilowatt solar array next spring, designed to cover approximately 1,100 apple trees. This innovative setup, positioned 12 feet above the ground, aims to maximize land use by simultaneously producing food and electricity. Jared Buono, the lab's director, emphasized the dual benefits for farm viability, marking a first for North America in integrating solar panels with apple orchard management.
The concept of agrivoltaics, combining agriculture with photovoltaic systems to enhance crop growth while generating renewable energy, underpins this initiative. Preliminary studies at the site involved using agricultural mesh to mimic the effects of solar panels on the microclimate surrounding the apple trees, focusing on their growth and fruit development under varying levels of sunlight and shade.
With the array installation expected by next summer, the research team will further explore how different apple varieties and rootstocks respond to the altered environmental conditions. The project aligns with New York's climate objectives, as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Additional agrivoltaic research in New York includes a project led by Cornell's Caroline Marschner, investigating crop growth under solar panels at a solar farm in Ravena. This research, part of the broader Cornell Agrivoltaics Research program, seeks to provide insights into the practical challenges of integrating crop production with solar energy generation.
Across New York, the integration of agrivoltaics is being studied not only for its potential to support sustainable agriculture and energy production but also for its broader environmental benefits, including decarbonization of the power grid. As these initiatives progress, they offer promising possibilities for growers and contribute to the state's environmental goals.
Source: Cornell Chronicle