Boulder County told Byron Kominek you cannot put solar panels on agricultural land; it violates zoning. But Byron persisted. Agrivoltaics are a global phenomenon in which solar panels and agriculture share land. The county eventually amended its code. Today there are about 3,000 panels on Jack’s Solar Garden, which Bryon created. In addition to helping small farms turn a profit, the panels provide benefits to the crops, and the crops actually provide benefits to the panels. What might those benefits be? Listen to this episode to learn all the details about Byron’s journey and what he has learned. Byron is in the process of launching the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center, the largest agrivoltaic research site in the U.S.
This program was recorded at the February 26, 2021 meeting of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications.
The next Pikes Peak Environmental Forum takes place April 23. Samantha Bailey and Josh Handley of the Colorado Springs Office of Innovation will update us on: Our Journey to Establishing a Smart & Sustainable Future. This event will not be available later as a podcast, so be sure to RSVP here and plan to attend this free virtual event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PeSISEqORCa-JpjohXMVRQ
Presenting Sponsors:
Art of Engineering
Black Hills Energy
Miriam's Place
OrganaGardens
Additional Sponsors:
Blue Planet Earthscapes
Peak Radar
Environmental Compliance Systems
Old Town Bike Shop
Terra Essentials
LINKS:
Speaker's Slide Presentation http://studio809radio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jacks-Solar-Garden-Presentation_26Feb2021.pdf
Jack’s Solar Garden http://www.jackssolargarden.com
Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center https://www.coagrivoltaic.org/
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Colorado Springs Office of Innovation & Sustainability
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club
Pikes Peak Permaculture
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:
