4 ms·

Definitely doesn't seem appropriate for cash crops harvested by combine harvester. Most orchards and vineyards in temperate climates are attempting to maximize

Definitely doesn't seem appropriate for cash crops harvested by combine harvester. Most orchards and vineyards in temperate climates are attempting to maximize solar exposure, so would compete for space with the panels -- and also have their own trellising systems and so I struggle to see a fit there, too. But I can definitely see the use cases for two places. Grazing land for some ruminants, especially in hot dry climates. Provide shelter for animals, and shade for grasses. Vegetables, market garden or even large scale. (e.g. my neighbour grows something like 20 acres of cauliflower and it's all planted and picked by hand.) Many market gardens are using walk-behind / two-wheel tractors (BCS, etc.) which are far more agile and could easily handle moving around panels. Spill-off / erosion can be dealt with through building swales.

eldaisfish 2y ago
that's ok. Not every solution must work for all situations. the point here is that agrivoltaics tends to work well, especially in certain conditions. In central Africa, those conditions are reducing evaporation and providing shade to certain plants. In north america, those conditions are often sheep grazing, as is common in New York and Ontario.
- cmrdporcupine 2y ago
  Aside: There seems to be an uptick in sheep rearing in my area (southern Ontario, near Hamilton) all the sudden. In the last year, I've seen 3 farms local to me put up fencing to start grazing them. Which is interesting because it's actually very difficult to find Ontario lamb in the butcher shop, and it's not a very popular meat overall, so I'm wondering where the source of the demand is. The majority of the lamb in the local grocery stores is either frozen prepacked from New Zealand, or from Sun Gold foods in Alberta. But I find local lamb from this area tastes much better (less gamey), must be something about the grass vs whatever forage they're giving them in Alberta. My two border collies would love it if I raised sheep. But my quasi-vegetarian wife could never tolerate raising them for meat.. and dairy and wool make no $$ sense.
  - eldaisfish 2y ago
    My guess - immigrants are the source of demand. South Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants eat lots of lamb. I live in the area and buy my lamb from a local farm. You’re correct, it is not the most popular commercial meat.
    - cmrdporcupine 2y ago
      Yeah that's my assumption to. The little Halal butcher around the corner from my office in Oakville consistently stocks fresh lamb. Doesn't see if it's Canadian or not though. Many years ago we used to buy, once a year, a whole butchered lamb raised on a friend's farm down in Niagara.
ashoeafoot 2y ago
actually , the orchards need constant sun is a myth too. There is a very sharp cut going towards too much sun, starting near sicily and travelling north. https://citrusindustry.net/2022/07/05/protecting-citrus-trees-from-heat-stress/ https://citrusindustry.net/2022/07/05/protecting-citrus-tree...

eldaisfish 2y ago

that's ok. Not every solution must work for all situations. the point here is that agrivoltaics tends to work well, especially in certain conditions. In central Africa, those conditions are reducing evaporation and providing shade to certain plants. In north america, those conditions are often sheep grazing, as is common in New York and Ontario.

cmrdporcupine 2y ago
Aside: There seems to be an uptick in sheep rearing in my area (southern Ontario, near Hamilton) all the sudden. In the last year, I've seen 3 farms local to me put up fencing to start grazing them. Which is interesting because it's actually very difficult to find Ontario lamb in the butcher shop, and it's not a very popular meat overall, so I'm wondering where the source of the demand is. The majority of the lamb in the local grocery stores is either frozen prepacked from New Zealand, or from Sun Gold foods in Alberta. But I find local lamb from this area tastes much better (less gamey), must be something about the grass vs whatever forage they're giving them in Alberta. My two border collies would love it if I raised sheep. But my quasi-vegetarian wife could never tolerate raising them for meat.. and dairy and wool make no $$ sense.
- eldaisfish 2y ago
  My guess - immigrants are the source of demand. South Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants eat lots of lamb. I live in the area and buy my lamb from a local farm. You’re correct, it is not the most popular commercial meat.
  - cmrdporcupine 2y ago
    Yeah that's my assumption to. The little Halal butcher around the corner from my office in Oakville consistently stocks fresh lamb. Doesn't see if it's Canadian or not though. Many years ago we used to buy, once a year, a whole butchered lamb raised on a friend's farm down in Niagara.

ashoeafoot 2y ago

actually , the orchards need constant sun is a myth too. There is a very sharp cut going towards too much sun, starting near sicily and travelling north. https://citrusindustry.net/2022/07/05/protecting-citrus-trees-from-heat-stress/ https://citrusindustry.net/2022/07/05/protecting-citrus-tree...