How farmers can integrate solar panels with growing crops, so they can effectively harvest the sun in two different ways, is the subject of this week’s podcast with Elise Couillard and host April Parms Jones. 

They explore the benefits of solar for farmers, including financial savings, sustainability, and the ability to create microclimates that may improve the growth of certain crops. Elise shares her journey into the solar industry, the importance of tailoring solar solutions to individual needs, and the economic advantages of solar energy. The discussion also highlights the significance of community support and collaboration in adopting solar technology, as well as the integration of minimalistic living with solar energy.

Elise is a consultant focusing on renewable energy, agrivoltaics and sustainability and the treasurer and a board member of the Couillard Solar Foundation. She uses her degree in behavioral ecology and past experiences in environmental science to inform her work advising conservation organizations about how to incorporate solar energy and energy efficiency into their operations. Elise advises clients on planning, designing, financing, and monitoring solar projects, especially nonprofit projects. 

Elise holds a Masters in Biology and a PhotoVoltaic (PV) Associate Certificate from NABCEP. In addition to her consulting work, Elise takes on grant writing services and has won, oftentimes as part of a team, over $800,000 in grants for clients. Elise lives in a tiny house and is an advocate for minimalistic and sustainable living.

 

Connect With Guest:

Website: https://couillardsolarfoundation.org

Instagram: @couillardsolar
 

Podcast Sponsors:

Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that’s tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.

Since 1972 Ohio Earth Food has been the go-to source for soil testing, consulting as well as the highest performing and most cost effective granular and liquid fertilizers, seed starting soils, foliar sprays and disease and insect controls. All approved for use on organic farms. Start seeds in The Seed Catapult soil with mycorrhizae and put Re-vita Pro fertilizer in the soil before you plant. Learn more at ohioearthfood.com.

Farmhand is the only ready-to-ride assistant made by and for farmers. Through a simple text or email to Farmhand, you can offload admin tasks, automate your CSA, update your website, and sell more to your customers. Learn more and take one of our many time-saving tasks for a test drive to see firsthand how Farmhand can help you earn more, and work less at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Bootstrap Farmer offers a complete range of growing supplies including heat mats, ground cover, frost blankets, silage tarps, irrigation, and trellising. They also make all-metal, all-inclusive greenhouse kits, constructed of steel made in the USA and fabricated in Texas. Their heavy-duty, Midwest-made propagation and microgreens trays will last for years and are available in a full spectrum of colors. For all that plus experienced support for everything they sell, check out Bootstrap Farmer at bootstrapfarmer.com.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.com

Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial