--- url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/portfolio/semi-arid-grassland-research-center/' title: Semi-Arid Grassland Research Center author: name: Nigel url: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/author/nidge45gmail-com/' date: '2026-01-13T06:04:32+00:00' modified: '2026-05-19T04:38:01+00:00' type: page image: 'https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-sandbox-solar-hero.webp' published: true --- # Semi-Arid Grassland Research Center # Semi-Arid Grassland Research Center Advancing ecological preservation through innovative solar solutions. Our collaboration with Colorado State University explores the synergy between forage growth, moisture retention, plant physiology, 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/) [![csu graduate degree in ecology logo](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GDPE-Logo-2025-Transparent.webp)](https://ecology.colostate.edu/) [![colorado state university sandbox solar](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/csu-436x263px.webp)](https://agsci.colostate.edu/) [![usda agricultural research center](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/249-2494032_usda-agricultural-research-service-logo-hd-png-download-792860767.webp)](https://www.ars.usda.gov/) [![solargik logo](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/solar-gik-logo.webp)](https://www.solargik.com/) [![Sandbox+ Solar Colorado residential and commercial solar services](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-Sandbox-Solar-Blue-Horizontal-436x130-1.webp)](https://sandboxsolar.com/) ## Ecovoltaic Research Facility Welcome to the Ecovoltaic Research Facility, a collaborative project by Sandbox Solar, Colorado State University, and other partners. This grant-funded **[agrivoltaic](https://sandboxsolar.com/services/agrivoltaics/)** initiative explores the integration of solar energy and ecological preservation through raised photovoltaic arrays. By studying their effects on forage performance, soil moisture, and energy production, the project aims to advance responsible ecological services throughout the solar development process. ![sandbox solar csu semi-arid grassland research center](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-sandbox-solar-hero.webp) ![sandbox solar csu semi-arid grassland research center](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-semi-arid-grasslands-sandbox-solar.webp) ## Single-Axis-Tracker At the Ecovoltaic Research Facility, bifacial solar panels have been installed to study the effects and production of the solar panels and native forages underneath them. This array features **[SolarGik](https://www.solargik.com/)** single-axis-trackers that follow the sun east to west throughout the day, maximizing energy production. The use of Single-Axis-Trackers allows the research to extend its insights across the utility-scale solar industry. This innovative project is exploring how utility-scale solar development is impacting local ecology.  #### MONTH 0kWh  #### YEAR 20,318kWh  #### LIFETIME 22,744kWh ## Agrivoltaics as a method for critical ecosystem preservation Recognizing the challenge of solar expansion competing with valuable agricultural land, Sandbox Solar and Colorado State University are collaborating to research how thoughtful utility-scale solar design, specifically utilizing the ecovoltaics strategy, can simultaneously produce clean energy and enhance American grassland ecosystems. [Read Article](https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/12/16/agrivoltaics-as-a-method-for-critical-ecosystem-preservation-introducing-ecovoltaics/?utm_source=USA+%7C+Newsletter&utm_campaign=5f9d8d03c8-dailynl_us&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_80e0d17bb8-5f9d8d03c8-494485682&ct=t%28dailynl_us%29) ![sandbox solar csu semi-arid grassland research center](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-drone-birds-eye-sandbox-solar-1920x1080-1.webp) Modelling and Results ## Spade Agrivoltaics Modeling for Ecovoltaics Projects ![sandbox solar csu semi-arid grassland research center irradiance profile](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-irradiance-perspective-8-1920x1080-1.webp) ### Irradiance Modelling Sandbox+ Solar utilized advanced irradiance modeling via its proprietary [Spade Agrivoltaics](https://spadesolar.com) tool for the ecovoltaics project at Colorado State University’s Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center in Nunn, Colorado. This software employs ray-tracing algorithms to simulate shade distribution under the 105.6 kW DC bifacial solar array with SolarGik single-axis trackers, precisely calculating ground-level irradiance in W/m². The model provides solar developers with detailed maps to optimize agrivoltaic designs, balancing energy production and land use efficiency. ### PPFD & DLI Results The [Spade Agrivoltaics](https://spadesolar.com) platform further quantified Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD in µmol/m²/s) and Daily Light Integral (DLI in mol/m²), revealing maximum light reduction of 69% in shaded areas, just 31% of open-field levels. These agrivoltaics metrics enable predictions of impacts on grassland ecosystems, alfalfa crop yields, soil moisture retention, and microclimate shifts in dual-use solar farms. ![sandbox solar csu semi-arid grassland research center ppfd profile](https://sandboxsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nunn-ppfd-perspective-4-1920x1080-1.webp) ## 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. 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