Phil Denara

☑️ Agrivoltaics is a fresh, thriving practice that creatively blends conventional agriculture and solar power production. ☑️ Agrivoltaics projects, like the successful cattle grazing and solar power generation in Massachusetts, show the feasibility of this idea and generate interest in it among other states. ☑️ Combining solar power with various crops, such as soybean and sweet corn, allows for increased productivity and efficiency. Agrivoltaics, or combining traditional farming with solar power generation, has been steadily gaining traction in the renewable energy sector. This concept, central to the work of many solar companies, exhibits the potential benefits of coexisting farming and power generation rather than treating them as competing land uses. Despite the mixed public opinion on large solar plants, this approach has shown significant promise, exemplified by multiple successful projects in Massachusetts that combined cattle grazing with solar power generation, proving advantageous for both agriculture and energy sectors. Other states such as New Jersey and New York are also exploring similar initiatives, reflecting the growing interest in this sustainable model. Furthermore, the integration of solar power with various crops, including soybeans and grains like wheat, barley, and oats, presents exciting opportunities for overlapping productivity. However, agrivoltaics' success hinges on respecting and accommodating the needs of local communities and environmental considerations. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

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Can we meet the growing demand for renewable energy without sacrificing agricultural land? At RE+ Northeast, Dan French, Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit, and David Gahl, Executive Director at the Solar and Storage Industries Institute, discussed how they’re trying to address barriers to solar and storage deployment. They focus on the practice of #agrivoltaics, which combines solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with agriculture to optimize land use. This can be done through: ▪️ solar grazing 🐑  ▪️ ecovoltaics (pollinator habitat creation)🐝🌺, and  ▪️ crop production 🌾under panels. Expect to learn: ⚡ Key barriers to wider agrivoltaics adoption ⚡ How The Solar Farm Summit is using case studies to develop standardized templates like grazing contracts and insurance agreements ⚡ Current funding opportunities for agrivoltaics projects By combining solar energy generation with agriculture, agrivoltaics optimizes land use, while also providing environmental stewardship and economic support to rural communities. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gY-Za_xK What excites you most about agrivoltaics? Let us know in the comments below 👇 #RenewableEnergy #SolarEnergy #Sustainability

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From Richard Ellenbogen who has installed solar, heat pumps, and a CHP unit talking about the New York's plan to drastically reduce carbon emissions: " ➡ New York is letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, prohibiting or frustrating viable solutions that could reduce emissions.  ➡ Instead, New York is relying on older, less efficient power plants, in hopes that wind and solar—built in more rural areas or offshore—can someday replace them.  ➡ Even if New York were to build the wind, solar and battery backup necessary to keep the lights on without fossil fuels, the storage requirements, either onsite or grid-based, would be cost-prohibitive. " Read about how in his experience, we aren't ready to rely on a fully renewable grid. https://lnkd.in/eyNrRdNE

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The #Massachusetts House has passed a landmark bill to accelerate the state's transition to #renewableenergy. Key highlights include: 🔋 Streamlined #permitting process for renewable energy projects 🏭 New measures to boost #cleanenergy supply and #storagecapacity 🌊 Extended contracts for #offshorewind and clean energy projects ⚡ Simplified application process for small clean energy facilities 🚗 Assessment and expansion of #EV #charginginfrastructure This legislation, in tandem with the recently approved Senate bill, aims to achieve #netzero #greenhousegasemissions by #2050. The House and Senate are now working on a unified version to present to Governor Maura Healey by July 31. #climateaction #sustainability #GHG #emissionsreduction https://lnkd.in/ga6J9Rzi

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Powering Maine with clean energy. 🌞 Ampion's new 25-MW community solar portfolio is helping over 1,700 residents & 70 businesses save up to 15% on their electricity bills. #SolarEnergy #CleanPower #Maine #RenewableEnergy #SustainableLiving #CommunitySolar

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It's Machias Monday! AMS Renewable Energy is thrilled to announce our continued progress on the Machias Solar Farm in Machias, NY. This community solar project, developed by Radial Power LLC, spans 16 acres, located just an hour south of Buffalo, NY. With a capacity of 2.78 MW, the Machias Solar Farm will make clean energy more accessible to local residents, allowing them to save on their electric bills while reducing their carbon footprint. As part of New York's Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program, this initiative enables subscribers to enjoy bill credits to offset their National Grid charges. Our innovative approach included designing an APA Solar Racking fixed-tilt array with ground screws, effectively addressing subsurface risks posed by glacial till observed during pull-testing. Here’s what the project means for the community: ✅ 3,008 tons of CO2 offset annually ✅ Sustainable energy for local homes and businesses ✅ Thoughtful engineering and construction by AMS from start to finish We are proud to partner with Radial Power LLC on this initiative to deliver clean, reliable energy solutions to New York communities. Together, we’re paving the way for a sustainable future! 💡 Let’s power a cleaner, greener tomorrow! #VDER #NYSolar #SolarConstruction #SolarEPC #CDG #RenewableEnergy #SolarEnergy #CommunitySolar #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #CleanTech #EnergyInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #GreenEnergy

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#InTheFieldFriday Meet Jose, our dedicated field tech, out on Mark Smith's Maryland property, helping lay the groundwork (literally) for a groundbreaking agrivoltaics journey with Carbon Country. 👨‍🌾🌞 With EarthOptics' ground-truth soil sampling and advanced sensor technology, we established an initial organic soil carbon baseline of 1.22%. This data not only gives Mark an unparalleled view of his soil's health but also sets the stage for some truly innovative practices. Mark plans to combine solar grazing (with sheep under solar panels!) and compost-inoculated biochar to boost soil health—all aligned with Verra standards, paving the way for potential future carbon credits. It's a powerful example of how regenerative agriculture and tech can drive positive change. We're proud to support trailblazers like Mark and excited to see how this project grows! 🌱 #EarthOptics #Agrivoltaics #RegenerativeAg #CarbonCountry #SoilHealth

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#InTheFieldFriday Meet Jose, our dedicated field tech, out on Mark Smith's Maryland property, helping lay the groundwork (literally) for a groundbreaking agrivoltaics journey with Carbon Country. 👨‍🌾🌞 With EarthOptics' ground-truth soil sampling and advanced sensor technology, we established an initial organic soil carbon baseline of 1.22%. This data not only gives Mark an unparalleled view of his soil's health but also sets the stage for some truly innovative practices. Mark plans to combine solar grazing (with sheep under solar panels!) and compost-inoculated biochar to boost soil health—all aligned with Verra standards, paving the way for potential future carbon credits. It's a powerful example of how regenerative agriculture and tech can drive positive change. We're proud to support trailblazers like Mark and excited to see how this project grows! 🌱 #EarthOptics #Agrivoltaics #RegenerativeAg #CarbonCountry #SoilHealth

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We’re excited to share a new report from our friends at Climate Jobs National Resource Center highlighting the critical role of trade unions in New England’s clean energy transition. Unions are calling to 3X(!) offshore wind commitments and prove that ambitious climate goals can — and should — go hand in hand with creating strong, equitable career pathways. This is the blueprint for a just transition: clean energy solutions that deliver for workers and communities alike. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYcBHXty

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Brace for a 25% Spike in Power Costs: Why 2025 Is the Year to Go Solar! ⬇️ 🌞 Pennsylvania's already record-high energy costs are set to spike even further in 2025. Depending on the district, homeowners may experience a 15% to 25% increase in power costs next year! There’s never been a better time to talk to your local installer about switching to solar. ✅ Get your FREE solar estimate from #ExactSolar! ☀️ https://lnkd.in/emiba3h5

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A Massachusetts household, previously facing seasonal energy bills of up to $300, is set to benefit from the nation's first utility-owned networked geothermal pilot program. This groundbreaking initiative could reduce their energy costs by 20%, showcasing the potential of sustainable heating and cooling solutions. The homeowner's enthusiasm—"As soon as they told me about it, I bought in 100%"—reflects the program's appeal to consumers seeking both cost savings and environmental benefits. This represents a significant step towards more efficient, environmentally friendly residential energy systems, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of networked geothermal technology. For more details on this innovative project read the full The Associated Press article here: https://lnkd.in/eFwtVi5g #SustainableEnergy #Geothermal #EnergyEfficiency #CleanTech

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The impacts of climate change are no longer distant threats; they are here, now. In 2024 alone, New York State experienced 10 billion-dollar disaster events, stark evidence of these trends. Devastating storms, flooding, record breaking cold snaps and heat waves, and other extreme weather events are affecting New Yorkers' access to safe and reliable utility service. To address this rapidly evolving challenge head-on, the Commission recently approved Climate Change Resilience Plans from many of the State's utilities. Building on lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy and other major climate events, these plans represent the culmination of more than two years of work focused on ensuring future investments in our energy systems are designed to withstand the impacts of a changing climate. This is a continuous, iterative process. The Department will work closely with utilities to evaluate performance and periodically update plans to keep pace with advancements in both science and technology. https://lnkd.in/e5Z2J3kr

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In 2024, wind farm costs have increased and many projects canceled as developers struggle with opaque regulations and determined opposition. But there is still great opportunity for economic growth in the #WindEnergy industry.

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A wave of positive change is on the horizon! 🌊 💡 The Biden administration's recent initiative to auction offshore wind leases off the coasts of Maine and Oregon reflects a transformative push toward renewable energy and a sustainable future. The plan to power up to 6 million homes with clean energy underscores a decisive move in combatting climate change and decarbonizing the electricity grid, aligning with President Joe Biden's climate agenda. Imagine the potential: eight leases in the Gulf of Maine, capable of lighting up more than 5 million homes, and two in Oregon for over a million more. 🏡 This ambitious project, steering clear of key fishing grounds and transit routes, demonstrates a careful balance between innovation and environmental consideration. As we stand at the cusp of this green revolution, we must engage with our communities and policymakers to ensure the responsible harnessing of wind power. How do you envision the future with offshore wind energy in the mix? Let's discuss how we can collectively support this sustainable shift! #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction

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ICYMI: CT DEEP has been awarded more than $62 million under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund's Solar for All program! "Project SunBridge will reach low-income and disadvantaged community households across the state of Connecticut, with a priority focus on affordable housing units, to allow for greater access to residential solar, increased resilience and grid benefits, and investments in quality jobs and businesses. The program has the potential to reach thousands of additional households through Connecticut’s existing solar and storage programs, avoiding CO2 emissions and saving Connecticut residents on energy costs. Connecticut residents will benefit from financial assistance with increased incentives, more accessible loans, and low-cost capital for solar and storage, as well as technical assistance for clean energy workforce development and community engagement. This blend of financial and technical assistance will create a sustainable funding stream for low-income and disadvantaged communities households to participate in the green economy, which will last beyond the SFA funding years, attract private investment, and drive market transformation." https://lnkd.in/gFbk7Wkc

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🌱 Harnessing Solar Power to Support Massachusetts Farmers 🌱 At Freedom Energy Logistics, we are excited to highlight how Agrivoltaic Solar Arrays are providing a much-needed financial boost to farmers while helping them generate clean energy. 🍃 Our latest article by Dileep Prabhakar, Regional Sales Director, takes you to Burgandy Brook Farm in Palmer, MA, where innovative solar panels allow farmers to continue growing crops and raising livestock while generating renewable energy. This cutting-edge technology offers: ☀️ Increased revenue streams for farmers with minimal land disruption 🐄 Enhanced land use – crops can grow, and livestock can graze under solar panels 🔋 Clean energy generation that supports local communities and organizations like Lowell General Hospital 💡 Innovative solutions for the growing electricity demand and sustainability goals As farmer Tom Roberts shared, "Our backs are against the wall when it comes to making a living, and these solar arrays provide a valuable new income stream while keeping farmland in use." Read more about how agrivoltaics are shaping the future of farming and energy: https://hubs.la/Q02V4Qmp0 #Sustainability #Agrivoltaics #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #FarmInnovation #Agriculture #SolarEnergy #EnergySolutions #MassachusettsFarming #FreedomEnergyLogistics #EnergyEfficiency

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Is Texas Leading the Energy Transition? Mostly California scoffs at the news they may be falling behind another state, especially Texas. While that state still offers big incentives to build more natural gas-fired peaking plants (like 40+ GW of them), it is also willing to take some bold steps to let entrepreneurs be more creative on how they do solar, especially on the idea of selling shares in big solar farms. See what an aggressive company from the UK is getting to do in Texas that California would never allow. And then wonder why that is the case. https://lnkd.in/geA7pvqw

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#climateactivists and #legislators in #Massachusetts are working together on an #omnibus aimed at reshaping the state's energy landscape. While there's a clear goal of transitioning away from traditional #naturalgas, it's essential to consider alternative pathways that could facilitate a smoother transition to #carbonneutrality by #2050. #renewablenaturalgas presents a promising opportunity to bridge the gap between our current energy infrastructure and a sustainable future. By harnessing RNG, we can #reduceemissions while leveraging existing pipelines and infrastructure, minimizing disruption to communities and industries. As discussions progress, it's crucial to explore all viable options striking a balance of environmental objectives and practical considerations. Ultimately, all parties seek an outcome benefitting both the planet and communities. #rng #energytransition #renewableenergy 

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