Chicago Tribune Highlights Agrivoltaics: Illinois’ Solar-Farming Revolution with Insights from iSEE and Local Farmers

Chicago Tribune article
Alson Time, a postdoctoral research associate, checks soil moisture and a temperature sensor in a soybean plot on July 23, 2024, between solar panels in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s agrivoltaics farm where researchers are exploring how crops can coexist with solar panels. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Our researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recently participated in the Solar Farm Summit in Chicago and hosted the Follow the Sun Tour with Agrisolar Clearinghouse. At our 54-acre Solar Farm 2.0, we are growing sorghum, two types of soybeans, and forage crops like alfalfa, red clover, and orchardgrass to explore the benefits of agrivoltaics in Illinois. This innovative research has garnered significant attention, including a feature article by the Chicago Tribune.

To learn more, follow this link: Chicago Tribune Article.

“As the climate changes, where we may have extreme heat and extreme precipitation, it may actually benefit plants to have some shade. So, it’s also very forward-looking research,” said Madhu Khanna, director of the University of Illinois research project.

Madhu Khanna, director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, on July 23, 2024. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Located near the University of Illinois, Matt Riggs’ farm & Riggs Beer Co. exemplifies how local farmers are integrating agrivoltaics into their practices. Discover how this approach is being implemented in your community by reading about Riggs and others navigating the possibilities and challenges of agrivoltaics in Illinois.

For further details, read the article here: Chicago Tribune Article.

Goats play in fields surrounding a solar array on Darin Riggs’ farm on July 23, 2024, in Sidney. Darin and his brother, Matt Riggs, own Riggs Beer Co. and use solar power on their farm and at their brewery. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)