SBIR/STTR Award attributes
This project will combine a semi-rigid solar panel with a low cost hoop house resulting a protectedagriculture structure at an installed cost of less than $2.00/W. This cost point allows for capitalfinancing from energy developers through a commercial power purchase agreement. Combiningsolar with agriculture opens up farmland to solar development that would normally be off limits fora solar only installation. Combined solar and covered agriculture can provide jobs communityfarming greenhouse space as well as power for agricultural support businesses such as packinghouses and refrigeration centers. Protected agriculture has up to 10x greater water use efficiencymaking it ideal for arid climates were sunshine id plentiful. This will create a synergy between solarfinancing agricultural business community farming and jobs. Combined solar + coveredagriculture can (1) generate power in agricultural zones without sacrificing productive farmland (2)provide agricultural jobs to the community and (3) reduce water consumption with increased cropyieldsA WIN-WIN-WIN scenario..
