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It\u2019s a bold idea, but one that has the potential to transform both the energy and agricultural landscape in Washington state and beyond: What happens if we intermingle solar energy panels with traditional crops and livestock? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known as agrivoltaics, it\u2019s a dual-use approach to land management and production that\u2019s beginning to be deployed in various places around the world\u2014albeit at a relatively small scale, for now. But that could soon change, thanks in part to the efforts of researchers like Chad Kruger, assistant director for agriculture, extension, and outreach at Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF). He\u2019s the co-author of a new study\u2014titled \u201cLow Hanging Fruit for Washington\u2019s Energy Future?<\/a>\u201d\u2014that investigates the feasibility of deploying agrivoltaics technology more broadly among suitable Washington farmlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the report\u2019s publication, Kruger and his colleagues have been discussing the implications of their findings with numerous Pacific Northwest media outlets, including FOX 13 Seattle, which featured Kruger during its Washington News Wrap program earlier this month. You can watch the full interview segment below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n