PROJECTS
AGRIVOLTAICS PROJECT AT SPACES OF OPPORTUNITY
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Our agricultural system depends on clearing forests, depleting water, and burning fossil fuels.
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Under the hot Arizona sun, agriculture is especially detrimental to our environment because we must use even more water, energy, and resources to maintain our livestock, crops, and farms.
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Arizona farmers have to work in challenging conditions under Arizona’s scorching sun and weather, increasing their risk of heat stroke.
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Farmers take home meager earnings as crop yields decrease with worsening environmental conditions.
PROBLEM
With the help of Professor Barron-Gafford and his team, AgriSolar Clearinghouse, and Fundusol, our goal is to promote agrivoltaics in farms that need it most.
I have decided to execute this project at Spaces of Opportunity. This 19-acre urban farm sits in the middle of South Phoenix’s food desert, and promotes healthy food choices while providing low-income individuals an opportunity to grow and sell their produce. This project will not only help the local community but will also set an example for commercial, family, and community farms around the country to adopt Agrivoltaics.
SOLUTION
Increases crop yield
Enhances soil quality
Reduces water consumption
Improves working conditions
Provides farms with sustainable energy
WHAT IS AGRIVOLTAICS?
Putting solar panels over cropland with the following benefits:
