Puerto Rican Coffee Farmer Pilots Solar Energy Program That Powers Entire Farm – CoffeeTalk

In response to the challenges posed by rising global temperatures, which contribute to severe weather phenomena such as prolonged wildfire seasons and intensified hurricanes, farmers must adapt through innovative practices. A notable example is Miguel Berdiel, the owner of Hacienda Berdiel Torres, a coffee farm located in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. Berdiel’s farm serves as a prototype for an agrivoltaic system—an approach that integrates agricultural production with solar energy generation.

Collaborating with the InSPIRE initiative, the nonprofit Twende Solar from Oregon, and MT Solar, Berdiel implemented specially designed top-of-pole solar mounts capable of operating effectively at high altitudes and enduring hurricane conditions. This initiative is particularly significant for Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The solar system on Berdiel’s farm generates sufficient energy to power all farm operations, thus showcasing an effective model of sustainability.

Moreover, studies conducted by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have highlighted that solar farms can also enhance biodiversity, serving as habitats for pollinators and native flora. Following Berdiel’s example, other agricultural ventures, such as a peach farm in Colorado, have similarly been funded to produce solar energy, further indicating a trend towards energy resilience and independence in farming.

Community solar initiatives like those exemplified by Berdiel’s farm not only foster ecological sustainability but also aim to enhance economic security and job creation in vulnerable regions. Researchers are dedicated to closely monitoring the results of Berdiel’s agricultural solar project to analyze its effectiveness and potential for expansion. The optimism surrounding this project is palpable, as stakeholders express enthusiasm about meeting customer energy needs under extreme conditions.

Read More @ Yahoo