--- url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/portfolio/csu-agrivoltaics-testing-grounds/' title: CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds author: name: Nigel url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/author/nidge45gmail-com/' date: '2024-06-05T07:45:04+00:00' modified: '2026-05-19T04:31:50+00:00' type: page image: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-no-logo.webp' published: true --- # CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds # Sandbox Solar Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds at Colorado State University Advancing sustainable agriculture through innovative solar solutions. Our collaboration with Colorado State University explores the synergy between crop growth, moisture retention, and renewable energy production. [](#) [![city of fort collins sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/agrivoltaics-logo-436x130px.webp)](https://agsci.colostate.edu/) [![pvrea sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/csu-horticulture-436x200-1.webp)](https://agsci.colostate.edu/) [![colorado state university sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/csu-436x263px.webp)](https://agsci.colostate.edu/) [![xcel sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/department-of-agriculture-436x259-1.webp)](https://ag.colorado.gov/) [![energy institute csu sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/greentech-436x313-1.webp)](https://www.greentechrenewables.com/) [![pvrea sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sunzuan-436x45-1.webp)](https://sunzaun.com/) ## Agrivoltaics Testing grounds Welcome to the **[Sandbox Solar Agrivoltaics](https://sandboxsolar.com/services/agrivoltaics/) Testing Grounds**, a collaborative project by Sandbox Solar, Colorado State University, and other partners. This grant-funded initiative explores the integration of solar energy and agriculture through various photovoltaic arrays. By studying their effects on crop yield, soil moisture, and energy production, the project aims to advance sustainable farming practices and agrivoltaic technology. ![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-00-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-16-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-17-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-19-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-21-1920x1280-1.webp) ![Sandbox Solar CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-no-logo.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-09-no-logo.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-1920x1280-1.webp)![CSU Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-16-1920x1280-1.webp) ## BIFACIAL SOLAR FENCES At the Sandbox Solar Agrivoltaics Testing Grounds, bifacial solar panels have been installed to study the effects and production of the solar panels and crops surrounding them. Since we cannot direct these panels to the sun, installing these advanced bifacial solar panels that capture rays from both sides was the optimal choice. With increased durability and lower maintenance requirements, bifacial panels provide long-term economic benefits and take minimal surface area, making them an ideal choice for this innovative agrivoltaic project. ## TRANSPARENT SOLAR ARRAYS Thanks to funding secured from the USDA SBIR grant, Sandbox Solar was able to install 9 separate agrivoltaic arrays of differing configurations. These arrays test certain crop types with varying solar panel transparencies in order to gain further insight into potential crop yields and growing conditions. Sandbox Solar and the CSU Department of Agriculture utilize this research for educational and practical implementation. [](#)  #### MONTH 332kWh  #### YEAR 7,865kWh  #### LIFETIME 90,411kWh ![Left Image](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-14-no-logo.webp) ![Right Image 1](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-no-logo.webp) ![Right Image 2](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-11-1920x1280-1.webp) ![Right Image 3](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-17-1920x1280-1.webp) ![Right Image 4](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sandbox-Solar-CSU-Agrivoltaics-Testing-Grounds-21-1920x1280-1.webp) ## Agrivoltaics Mini Documentary [**Agrivoltaics**](https://sandboxsolar.com/services/agrivoltaics/), a novel approach combining agriculture and renewable energy, addresses food security and energy challenges without harming the environment. Adaptable to local contexts, it includes strategies like elevated solar panels in Kenya improving crop yields, and vertical systems in Norway preserving forests. Agrivoltaics promotes sustainable energy and enhances agriculture, potentially redefining land use, energy, and food production. In this mini documentary, **'[Reharvesting the Sun](https://www.re-tv.org/articles/agrivoltaics)'** by RE:TV, Sandbox Solar had some of its recent projects (listed below) featured as major developments towards achieving this goal. [](#) [](#) ## THE Spring Hill Greens Agrivoltaics PROJECT Spring Hill Greens is a local Fort Collins farm that strives to be entirely carbon-neutral. **So naturally, they would need an extensive solar system to generate sufficient power for their entire farm to be energy self-sufficient.** However, Spring Hill Greens required more land to support a conventional ground-mount solar array. What they needed was an **[agrivoltaic](https://sandboxsolar.com/agrivoltaics/)** solution. So they called their local agrivoltaic solar company, [**Sandbox Solar**](https://sandboxsolar.com/). [READ MORE](https://sandboxsolar.com/project/spring-hill-greens-agrivoltaics-colorado/) ## NATIVE HILL AGRIVOLTAICS PROJECT This [**Native Hill Farms**](https://www.nativehillfarm.com/) solar agrivoltaic array is quite unique! **Our local farmers wanted a way to integrate enough solar to power their entire farm but could not find a way without sacrificing precious fertile farming land!** That’s where the expertise of [**Sandbox Solar**](https://sandboxsolar.com/) comes into play! As one of the few agrivoltaic companies in the country, Sandbox Solar has the skills, experience, and knowledge to tackle this complex challenge. [READ MORE](https://sandboxsolar.com/project/native-hill-farms-solar-agrivoltaics-16kw/) [](#) ## CONTACT US ## FREE QUOTE FORM - # Free Quote Form - * - - * - - - * - - * - * State * CO WY - * - Areas of Interest ResidentialCommercialBattery BackupEV ChargingExisting System ServiceDetach and ResetAgrivoltaicsHeat Pump - Existing System Documentation Browse FilesDrag and drop files here Choose a file Please attach a picture/s or PDF/s of your existing system including your inverter make/model Cancelof - * How'd you hear about us? * Referral Web Search Saw Our Team Employee Referral Social Media Newsletter NextDoor Ad EnergySage Demand IQ Other - Referral Name - Referral Email - Employee Name - Electric Service Provider Fort Collins Utilities Xcel Energy PVREA Longmont Utilities Loveland Light & Power United Power Other - Roof/Mount Type Roof - Comp Shingle Roof - Metal Roof - Tile Ground Mount Car Port Other - View utility bill and submit yearly kWh (kilowatt-hours). - Favorite Communication Method Email Phone Call Text Message - Utility Bill Browse FilesDrag and drop files here Choose a file Attaching a picture or PDF of your bill ensures accuracy of your consumption data. Cancelof - - Sign up for our Newsletter - Sign up for our Newsletter - SMS Opt-In By checking this box, and submitting this form, you consent to receive SMS text messages regarding but not limited to provide with customer support, send you account notifications, delivery updates on the project, marketing, and general information from Sandbox+. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt out of further messaging or HELP for assistance, or call (+1 970-673-7733). Please see our Privacy Policy - - - - Ref Param - Referral Final - Submit - - Should be Empty: ## SERVICE FORM ## CONTACT FORM [](mailto:sales@sandboxsolar.com) sales@sandboxsolar.com [](tel:9706737733) (970) 673-7733 [](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sandbox+Solar/@40.5943139,-105.0759112,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x82656c7a17055a2b!8m2!3d40.5943139!4d-105.0759112) 112 Racquette Drive Unit C Fort Collins, CO 80524 [](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sandbox+Solar/@40.5943139,-105.0759112,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x82656c7a17055a2b!8m2!3d40.5943139!4d-105.0759112) Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM