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Swatches | April 1, 2025 | By: ATA
Solar-structure manufacturer Pvilion, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is partnering with fabric ag building manufacturer Accu-Steel Inc., headquartered in Templeton, Iowa, to test an “agrivoltaic” structure for farmers. With the addition of walls, it could serve as an off-grid shop or livestock shelter or have other uses.
The 12,000-square-foot structure integrates 42 kW of solar power and a lithium-ion battery bank that can store 135 kWh, allowing the building to supply its own power for typical needs such as lighting and computers as well as the energy needed to run equipment including tools for cutting and welding, irrigation pumps and fans, or space heaters for keeping livestock comfortable. But that’s just the start.
“The solar fabric roof and electrical system is electrically connected to the main electrical panel for the entire farm, including the owner’s home, offices and manufacturing facility,” says Robert Lerner, co-founder and vice president of Pvilion. “Anything that uses power at the farm, house and factory can draw power from the solar roof and battery bank. If the electrical grid goes down, this solar roof is sized to be able to power the entire facility.”
The system can pull power from the grid to charge the batteries when they fall below a certain threshold, but the power grid is essentially backup power for the farm.
Uses of the structure and the battery bank and solar array as well as the system’s electrical and structural performance are under evaluation by the companies as they develop the business case for the product. With this installation, Pvilion is also testing two different ways to adhere the solar panels to the fabric. The building and installation would qualify for a federal solar tax credit.
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