We’re thrilled to share our experience at the recent Solar Farm Summit in Chicago, held from July 8th to 10th! Sunzaun was proud to be an exhibitor at the event, showcasing our innovative vertical solar solutions. Our CEO, Helge Biernath, even had the opportunity to deliver a presentation on the exciting potential of vertical solar power.
The presentation sparked a lot of interest, reflecting the growing buzz around vertical solar farms. The Solar Farm Summit offered excellent networking opportunities. This is particularly valuable for addressing the challenges in agrivoltaics because it brings together a diverse range of stakeholders like farmers, renewable energy professionals and researchers. Here’s a glimpse into how different industries are receiving this new technology:
Farming Industry: There’s definite excitement about the potential of vertical solar to increase food production and generate clean energy on the same land, essentially creating a dual-use system. However, some concerns exist about the high initial investment of vertical farming systems. For reference, check out the smart solar work done by the American Farmland Trust.
Solar Industry: Collaboration between academia and industry is on the rise. Research and development for vertical solar panels are underway to improve efficiency and address challenges. This indicates a growing interest in integrating vertical solar into the solar energy landscape. The agrivoltaics testing grounds at University of Colorado are a great example of innovative projects.
Academia: Research into vertical solar panels and their applications is ongoing, with institutions partnering with industry to develop new technologies. There’s a strong focus on overcoming limitations and maximizing the potential of vertical solar energy production. Review the research by Arizona State University to learn more.
The Solar Farm Summit was a fantastic platform to connect with industry leaders, discuss the latest advancements in agrivoltaics, and showcase how Sunzaun’s vertical solar systems can contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture and renewable energy. We look forward to continuing the conversation and being a part of the future of solar energy!