An Agrivoltaic Demonstration Project at Penn Vet School’s New Bolton Center

This research proposal aims to explore the development of an agrivoltaic demonstration project at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton campus. Agrivoltaic projects combine agricultural production with solar power generation, maintaining food production while producing renewable energy. Led by Professors Tom Daniels and Tom Parsons, the project will involve hiring two graduate students to assist in identifying suitable locations, estimating installation costs, and researching management practices for incorporating agricultural production under solar panels. The ultimate goal is to produce a report with recommendations on the feasibility of implementing the agrivoltaic demonstration project at New Bolton or a nearby site.

This grant is made possible by the Goldsmith Research Fund, a gift from Carl H. Goldsmith (W ‘88).

Tom Daniels

Crossways Professor, City and Regional Planning

Tom Daniels is the Crossways Professor of city and regional planning at the Weitzman School. Daniels directs the concentration in Land Use and Environmental Planning.

Thomas Parsons

Director, Center for Stewardship Agriculture and Food

Thomas Parsons is the Marie A. Moore Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics at the School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center. He directs the Center for Stewardship Agriculture and Food at PennVet.

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