iSun, Inc., a leading US solar company, has joined forces with German agrivoltaics pioneer Next2Sun Mounting Systems GmbH (“Next2Sun”) in a collaborative effort to introduce Next2Sun’s vertical agrivoltaics system to the United States. The partners have been working together since the start of 2023 and are preparing to commence construction on the first agrivoltaics plant utilizing the Next2Sun system in Vermont in early 2024.
With its patented frame system and vertical bifacial technology, Next2Sun has successfully brought various products to market, including the vertical bifacial agrivoltaics system and the bifacial solar fence. These solutions cater to diverse applications across the agricultural, public, commercial, and private sectors, positioning Next2Sun as a renowned market and technology leader with multiple awards to its name.
The first collaborative agrivoltaics project between Next2Sun and iSun will materialize in Vermont at the beginning of 2024. Spanning an area of 3.7 acres, the plant will feature 69 vertical rack elements, each equipped with two bifacial solar modules and spaced 30 feet apart. The rows in between will be utilized for cultivating vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, and saffron, demonstrating the synergy between solar power generation and agriculture.
The partnership between iSun and Next2Sun marks a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of agrivoltaics in the United States. Through their joint efforts, the companies aim to drive the adoption of sustainable energy solutions while minimizing land use conflicts and optimizing the efficiency of solar energy production.
“The Next2Sun system is an excellent supplement to our product portfolio,” says iSun CEO Jeffrey Peck, “Thanks to the vertical mounting of the modules and the adaptability of the installation to the needs of the farmer, the valuable land is almost completely preserved for agriculture.”
Next2Sun AG CEO Heiko Hildebrandt is also looking forward to the collaboration: “In iSun, we have found a partner who, like us, wants to accelerate the energy transition. With our vertical bifacial agrivoltaics system, we can make an important contribution to this, especially in areas such as the north-east of the USA. The vertical Next2Sun system always produces electricity when conventional PV systems are producing less.”
