The Massachusetts Human Resource Fund (MHRF) has initiated a Hydro-AgriVoltaics (HAV) project to add innovative
hydroponics and greenhouse technology to agrivoltaics, also known as dual use solar, which combines agriculture
with solar electricity to optimize value. Phase 1 is currently underway to develop a research and education facility to
help revitalize New England agriculture through innovation. The key objective is to strengthen production when
space is limited by lengthening the traditional short growing season in colder climates. Solar arrays as shown below
reduce costs and add income when integrated with traditional field agriculture. This unique HAV project builds an
advanced hydroponics and greenhouse facility with a field array to provide valuable research data and education
opportunities.
The key beneficial aspects of Phase 1 are:
~ Building an advanced greenhouse and hydroponic facility to
amplify and extend the vegetable growing season
~ Refining storage, water management and environmental
control systems to improve growing season length and quality
~ Incorporating data acquisition and AI analysis to further the
knowledge base in this area of expertise
~ Facilitating applied research to foster education
Suitable land in Essex County is the Phase 1 target site. Research and education benefits of the Phase 1 facility will
have a lifespan of at least 25 years, the standard photovoltaic array warranty period. Educational and vocational training
programs will be developed in partnership with educational institutions such as the UMass Clean Energy Extension
agrivoltaics initiative, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School and North Shore Community College.
Later phases will use the research and knowledge base gained in Phase 1 to improve the initial project model to
develop more economical versions. The ultimate goal is to stimulate local investment opportunities and create jobs
in other areas of the state to provide food security and economic benefits to local communities over longer periods.
MHRF will employ its 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status to stimulate project financing as part of its mission to facilitate
economic self-help to achieve vital community benefits. Public-private collaborations will seek tax-advantaged
donations from individuals and businesses, in-kind contributions from trades, government and philanthropic grants,
and financial institution mechanisms as funding sources.
Industry and educational veterans will carry out the HAV project tasks.
Phase 1 Project Goals:
- Revitalize Massachusetts agriculture with innovative methods and technology to cope with
high heating costs in winter including
- Passive solar greenhouses with thermal mass storage
- Advanced greenhouse insulation
- Integrated solar energy powers heating/cooling/pumping (reduces costs & reliance on
fossil fuels) - hydroponics for year-round germination and production
- Prove market and investment viability (initial site and future opportunities)
- Prove educational/vocational value that will create jobs consistent with MA Food Policy