Called “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Organic Food Supply,” the report was authored by James W. Keyes, chairman, Key Development LLC, R. Michael Martin, executive vice president, Business Development, PSI, and research assistant Brett T. Gage.
According to the authors, as the costs of photovoltaic solar equipment decline steadily and technology continues to improve, the demand for effective sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and traditional utilities has climbed notably.
As a result, they say, solar is poised for heavy contributions to the food industry at every level.
“In recent years, solar has become increasingly cost effective,” says Keyes, advisor to Principal Solar. “Organic certification requires that foods be produced without genetic modification, synthetic hormones, unsustainable practices, or use of certain substances.”
He adds that, of the various renewable energy alternatives available to fuel organic agriculture, PV solar systems are the most economical on the farm.
Keyes and his team say through its adaptable technology and relatively low maintenance requirements, solar energy can replace or extend existing infrastructure and solve unique problems in powering agriculture.
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