SolarEdge Technologies, Inc., a global pioneer in smart energy solutions, announced today its collaboration with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
This partnership focuses on a groundbreaking research and demonstration program exploring the potential of agrivoltaics—the simultaneous production of agricultural crops and solar energy on the same land—for farmers throughout the state.
Research to Shape Pilot Program
The insights gained from the Rutgers research program will be instrumental in shaping the Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program, overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). This ambitious three-year, 200 MW initiative aims to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of agrivoltaics.
The program represents a collaborative effort involving the NJBPU, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the State Agricultural Development Committee, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program.
Research findings and data will inform the establishment of a permanent Dual-Use Solar Program in New Jersey.
Diverse Agrivoltaic Sites
The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program encompasses three distinct sites, each employing a different panel mounting approach to investigate the impact on agricultural yield and electricity generation:
- Rutgers Animal Farm: Features vertically mounted bifacial panels for forage crop production and beef cattle grazing (170 kWDC installed and grid-connected).
- Snyder Research and Extension Farm: Utilizes single-axis trackers for hay production (94.5 kWDC installed and 82.4 kWDC grid-connected).
- Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center: Employs single-axis trackers with both single-wide and double-wide panel rows for vegetable and staple crop cultivation (255 kWDC installed and 48.6 kWDC grid-connected).
Evaluating Electricity Output
Each site will assess electricity generation using Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) to measure and analyze energy production.
Driving Sustainable Agriculture
Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, Director for Resource and Economic Development and Senior Associate Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, emphasized the significance of this research.
“Agrivoltaics is a rapidly expanding and promising sector offering solutions for the challenges faced by farmers today, such as rising energy costs and the transition to sustainable practices.
Our research aims to develop knowledge that will guide the establishment of practices enhancing both the sustainability and economic viability of farms through the safe and regulated adoption of solar energy. We are thrilled to partner with SolarEdge to achieve these goals.”
Win-Win for Farmers and the Environment
Bertrand Vandewiele, General Manager of SolarEdge in North America, highlighted the mutual benefits of agrivoltaics. “This practice allows for expanded solar development to address climate change without the land-use challenges often associated with ground-mounted solar.
It can also provide benefits for farmers, allowing a stable revenue stream and protection against climate hazards… Through this collaboration with Rutgers University, we look forward to playing our part in helping to advance the adoption of more sustainable and profitable farming practices.”
About Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program
The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAP) is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to designing and conducting applied agrivoltaics research and outreach. Their work empowers New Jersey farmers to make informed decisions about adopting this technology while contributing to the state’s renewable energy objectives.
About SolarEdge
SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology, continuously innovating to create solutions that power our lives and drive future progress.