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The RAP Project can be found in the “Solar Farm” category. Please visit the NAAA25 website and cast your vote!
By Shawn Sorrels •
The RAP Project can be found in the “Solar Farm” category. Please visit the NAAA25 website and cast your vote!
The second year of specialty crop research at RAREC in southern New Jersey began in late March when seed of fresh-market tomato, bell pepper, and eggplant seeds were dropped off at A. Pagnini Farms and Greenhouses LLC, a fifth generation wholesale produce and greenhouse operation founded Vineland in 1919.
Following the harvesting of our spring spinach trial, the ground for the second year of our specialty crops research trial was prepped on 4 June, with the discing and spading of the plot areas and the application and incorporation of 80 lbs N/acre of 14-4-14 pre-plant fertilizer. On 6 June, raised beds consisting on white on black plastic mulch were laid with drip irrigation set off-center.
The specialty crop trial done this summer at RAREC will be similar to the trial in 2024 so we will have two years of data for statistical analysis. To follow our progress all season long, please subscribe to the RAP Team’s blog.
By Shawn Sorrels •
Congratulations to the RAP Team regarding the conference proceedings publication released this week!
Abstract: Agrivoltaics is a new technology that has the potential to positively impact commercial farming by combining agricultural practices with the generation of solar energy. While some yield reduction is to be expected, resulting from less sunlight reaching the plant canopy and ground occupied by support structures, the generated electricity provides a low-risk supplemental income to farmers. In order to combine farming with electricity generation, agrivoltaic systems use a lower ground coverage ratio compared to normal solar farms and the PV panels are often mounted higher above the ground in order to facilitate the movement of agricultural equipment and to reduce the contrast between shaded and non-shaded areas.
With funding provided from the state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), we designed and installed three unique agrivoltaic research systems at Rutgers/NJAES farms. These projects were recently completed and are generating electricity that is exported to the grid. This paper discusses the lessons we have learned along the way, including all the steps necessary to see an agrivoltaic project through to completion.
Link to full text available in Resources or on the Conference Website