DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with Byron Kamenek, the visionary behind Jak's Solar Garden, which will be the largest agrivoltaic project in the US. Agrivoltaics is the concept of designing solar arrays to allow crops to grow underneath the panels, taking advantage of the shaded microclimate and reflected light for photosynthesis.
Kamenek explains how community solar gardens work, where individuals can subscribe and receive bill credits from the utility company for the renewable energy generated, without having to install panels on their own property. He discusses the unique partnerships with research institutions like NREL, University of Arizona, and CSU to study various aspects of agrivoltaic farming.
The episode also delves into the educational mission of Jak's Solar Garden, with plans for tours and hands-on experiences for students to learn about sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Kamenek shares the project's timeline and how the local community can support it through subscriptions.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Jak's Solar Garden combines community solar generation with agrivoltaic farming, allowing crops to be grown underneath solar panels.
- The project takes advantage of the microclimate created by the solar panels to foster crop growth and increase panel efficiency.
- Kamenek has partnered with research institutions like NREL, University of Arizona, and CSU to study various aspects of agrivoltaic farming.
- The project has an educational component, with plans for student tours and hands-on learning experiences.
- Community members can support the project by subscribing to receive bill credits for the renewable energy generated.
- The project aims to preserve agricultural land while generating clean energy and providing local food.
- Agrivoltaics represents a sustainable approach to meeting energy and food needs while reducing resource consumption.
- The project honors Kamenek's family farming heritage while embracing innovative technologies.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “A lot of people say, look, sun's coming down, you're going to have ground that's shaded, things can't grow in the shade. But what actually happens is that solar panels help protect crops, especially that are shade tolerant, or maybe we should say more sun sensitive, and allow them to continue photosynthesizing underneath the solar panels by using reflected light off of different surfaces.“ by Byron Kamenek
- “So the difference between having solar on your roof versus having solar on someone else's property, which is basically a community solar garden, is that you don't have to do that installation on your home.“ by Byron Kamenek
- “Once we're up and going, the panels will be at 6ft and 8ft high, so they'll be able to walk underneath the panels. The difference in heights will be for the researchers to grow similar crops underneath each to understand best what panels grow.“ by Byron Kamenek
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Episode Information
Climate Changers
Ryan Flahive
10/29/19