Mammoth Solar received the Dual-Use Plan of the Year award at the North American Agrivoltaics Awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony took place during the Solar Farm Summit in Chicago. Agrivoltaics pairs solar with agriculture. It creates energy and provides space for crops, grazing and native habitats under and between panels.
Mammoth Solar is Doral Renewables’ 1.3-gigawatt project across Starke and Pulaski counties. The project was recognized as a dual-use solar development design because it combines large-scale renewable energy generation with sustainable agricultural practices.
“By integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural practices, we are not only providing clean energy but also promoting heritage farming practices,” said Ed Baptista, Doral Renewables director of development and agrivoltaics, in a press release.
The Mammoth Solar Project integrates 1,500 sheep, Kune Kune pigs, alpacas and other animals to manage vegetation. It allows farmers to continue their farming operations. Crops such as corn, hay and melons are in stages of implementation or research, along with plans for pollinator habitats.
“We received many thousands of votes and were very heartened to see so many folks supporting these next-generation solar farms, such as the Mammoth Solar Project, which are redefining what’s possible when pairing solar power and various agricultural practices in the field,” said Dan French, Solar Farm Summit executive producer and awards emcee.
Upon completion, the Mammoth Solar Project will provide clean energy to about 250,000 homes. The project is divided into three phases. Mammoth North is set to begin operations in the next few months. Mammoth South and Mammoth Central will be operational later this year. The project was named “Mammoth” because of mammoth bones discovered in fields where it would be built and because of the size and scope of the project.
The annual Solar Farm Summit brings together solar developers, manufacturers, designers, policymakers and farmers. They gather to network and share best practices for agricultural operations and the expanding solar industry.
Doral Renewables is a Philadelphia-based renewable energy developer. It owns and operates renewable energy assets in 20 states and across 10 electricity markets.
(Photo provided by Doral Renewables)
