Informed decision-making on photovoltaic adoption for western Colorado peach orchards
Date
2024
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Abstract
The Solar Orchard Analysis and Recommendation Tool (SOAR) is an interactive decision-support tool curated for Western Colorado's peach growers to characterize photovoltaic adoption on their farms. Peach orchards use a substantial amount of energy that has the potential to be offset by photovoltaic arrays, allowing the farmer to reduce their operational costs as well as contribute to renewable energy initiatives. In addition, the benefits of solar energy can be enhanced as producers electrify their equipment where appropriate. Each farmer has their own unique energy supply and demand needs that can change over time as tools and vehicles become electrified and as photovoltaic technology evolves. In response, SOAR was created with engineers and local orchard growers to help farmers manage their energy needs. Furthermore, this tool allows farmers to evaluate the effects of different financing options on payback period, return on investment and initial investment cost of a PV array. The use of this decision support tool is exemplified with the use of a case study farm to demonstrate various supply and demand scenarios.
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Subject
peach orchards
supply and demand
photovoltaic energy
decision support tool