SERVICES
Agrivoltaics & Renewables
Agrivoltaics is a unique discipline based on the dual use of land for agriculture and solar energy production. TCS has a specialized team that not only understands agriculture in Alberta, but also understands the science of agrivoltaics and the regulatory environment for solar energy development in Alberta. We have designed agrivoltaic farm plans based on the practical experience of our team of Professional Agrologists who are experts in range and grazing management, greenhouse production, annual cropping, and agricultural principles. The diversity and depth of our agricultural experience allow us to create effective agrivoltaic plans that are well-suited to the biophysical and agroclimatic contexts in which they will be implemented. We provide agricultural impact assessments for high-quality agricultural lands that follow the guidelines for evaluating agricultural land for renewable generation.
Experience is critical to the design and implementation of a successful agrivoltaics plan. Our team has been involved in grazing management for over 40 years as Professional Agrologists specializing in range management. We have combined our experience in agricultural production with our environmental expertise and an understanding of renewable energy regulations to meet the needs of the growing agrivoltaics industry. Working at the leading edge of agrivoltaics in Alberta, we have designed agrivoltaic systems that integrate a wide range of crop types including berries, forage crops, and annual crops. Over the past several years, this work has resulted in the production of over 20 agrivoltaic plans for projects in Western Canada. We are also pioneering new technologies, including a greenhouse design that integrates solar-powered seasonal thermal energy storage to significantly extend the horticultural growing season. We don’t just build the plans. We also support the plans with a strong team of specialists that can carry applications through regulatory hearings and into production.
We deliver comprehensive grazing management plans tailored to the unique requirements of agrivoltaics. Our work goes beyond plan development—we support each project with a multidisciplinary team of specialists who guide applications through regulatory hearings and into production. In addition, our team includes active grain farmers and greenhouse growers, allowing us to design practical, field-tested solutions that meet the real-world needs of every project.
Our Approach to AGRIVOLTAICSOur Approach
Our focus IS to Create effective AgriVoltaic plans that allow our clients to maintain energy production and agricultural output at the same time, regardless of the project requirements
Environmental Evaluations
We have soils, wetland and vegetation experts who can assist renewable energy operators with specific aspects of environmental evaluations. We can also combine our expertise to lead on the development of these reports.
Conservation and Reclamation Plans
Our team works closely with our reclamation and soils experts to develop C&R plans specific for renewable energy operations. We also complete C&R plans for other industries, including mining, oil and gas and government agencies and can draw on this expertise to support agrivoltaics projects, no matter the complexity.
Pre-Disturbance Site Assessments
PDSAs are completed for a variety of our clients including renewable energy operators looking to comply with the Conservation and Reclamation Directive for Renewable Energy Operations. These assessments are often complex and can require in-depth knowledge of site characteristics. Our biophysical team has experts in wetland science, rare species management, wildlife, vegetation and soils, and can assist renewable energy operators with PDSAs to achieve compliance.
Wetland Assessment and Classification
Wetland assessments are often required for agrivoltaic project approvals and reclamation certification. Our team includes a certified Wetland Authenticating Professional who completes both desktop and field-based assessments. With hundreds of Water Act applications and wetland assessments completed across Western Canada, our biophysical specialists bring extensive regulatory and field experience. We also provide wetland assessments tailored specifically to agrivoltaic project applications and reclamation certification. For more information, please see our Biophysical page for more details.
Regulatory Requirements
Agrivoltaic projects involve overlapping jurisdictions and multiple agency-specific regulations, including the Alberta Utilities Commission, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. Navigating the requirements for project approval, operation, and closure can be complex. The teams at TCS have extensive experience with Alberta’s regulatory environment and the agrivoltaic application process. We help clients by identifying site-specific regulatory requirements, assisting with approvals, and completing required assessments, such as Agricultural Impact Assessments and irrigation assessments.
Renewable Energy Project Submissions
Our team of experts can support Renewable Energy Project Submissions by completing desktops reviews and field surveys to answer the necessary application questions.
What Types of Farm
In Alberta there are numerous types of farms. Most people think of sheep when they think of Agrivoltiacs and while sheep are highly compatible they are not the only option or necessarily the best option. The most productive agricultural land uses per acre are typically found in horticulture followed by annual crop production in Alberta. However each of these systems requires a unique solar farm design. Projects we have developed include:
Grazing systems for Sheep
Hay production
Silage production
Annual crop production
Horticultural production (berries)
Limitations to Consider
Larger farming equipment requires turning areas and buried infrastructure to allow for effective farming. In addition creating a farming system where there is no market to sell the goods is also limiting. For example in some areas there may be no place to sell lambs and that can limit the ability for a farm to be economical.
Another additional consideration is access to farmers willing to work within a solar facility. It is more expensive to farm within a solar facility and as such it means the economics of farming in these facilities has to be considered.
Optimizing Dual Use Production
We can support our clients in designing specific solar layouts that allow both agriculture and power generation to be maximized. there are unique panel layouts that can be utilized to maximize production effectively.
Crop Selection
Whether it is a hay crop, annual forage, cereal grain or oil seed we can support farmers in finding the most productive varieties for their Agrivoltaic project. Our team is engaged in multiple research projects looking at the productivity of different crops within solar facilities in western Canada.
Monitoring and Support
The work is not over ounce a plan is formed. Our clients have us acting as long term support to farmers as well as power producers to ensure that agricultural production is maintained and meets the regulatory requirements. We can provide annual support throughout a project life to ensure the long term success of each Agrivoltaic project.
PARTNER WITH Agrivoltic experts
Tannas Conservation Services Ltd. delivers quality, science-based solutions in reclamation, ecology, and regulatory compliance. Connect with our experts today to discuss your project.
