Iowa State University, has initiated a public-private partnership with Alliant Energy on the design and construction of the The Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University where they explore growing crops within and around photovoltaic (PV) panels to quantify the benefits of agrivoltaic practices. At this site they explore a subset of agricultural activities most amenable to the unique environment of a solar farm, and develop best practices for economic and environmentally sustainable production practices conducted within solar farms designed for mega-watt scale production. This partnership allows them to estimate the impact of agricultural practices around PV panels on the microclimate and subsequent PV efficiency. They will measure these potential impacts while also analyzing the multiple economic costs and values to developers, utilities, farmers and rural communities affecting agrivoltaic development in the Midwest. They have assembled a multi-disciplinary team, in cooperation with public and private entities, to address the intersecting needs of various stakeholders including but not limited to: PV developers and utilities with contracts for PV, landowners, and farmers interested in agrivoltaics. This DOE funded project will determine if and under what conditions agrivoltaic practices in the Midwest can benefit local food production systems and what resources are needed to assist multiple stakeholders.

Iowa State University is offering a 2025 Open House Series to visit the Alliant Energy Solar Farm.

Alliant Energy Solar Farm 52166 260th St
Ames, IA
United States

Learn more: https://agrivoltaics.research.iastate.edu/