Student Design Challenge Aims to Inspire Solar Farming Innovation
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- The Solar Farm Summit and the InSPIRE project are delighted to announce the inaugural Dual-Use Design Challenge–a collaborative student design competition cultivating innovation at the intersection of agriculture and solar energy–is now calling students across North America to take on real-world farming challenges and develop creative on-farm solutions using solar technology. Open to students in K-12 and post-secondary education, this hands-on learning exercise encourages young minds to imagine creative applications that integrate agricultural production with solar energy production in symbiotic and mutually beneficial ways, known as "agrivoltaics," as well as advanced conservation practices incorporating solar panels, known as "ecovoltaics."

Adoption of these "dual-use" applications that 'double the harvest' is growing rapidly around the world because they provide both energy and agricultural value-add, such as improved yields, weather and wind protection, enhanced plant health, frost and drought resistance, as well as substantial water conservation. Culminating in awards, displays and demonstrations during the 2025 Solar Farm Summit, the Dual-Use Design Challenge seeks to cultivate new innovations by inviting students to unleash their imaginations and propose ideas that advance both solar power generation and agricultural productivity. Whether through written proposals, 3D models, and/or illustrations, participants can submit in multiple formats to demonstrate their ideas for what, where and how solar technology can coexist with crop production, livestock management and/or conservation–and deliver important co-benefits to rural communities and local food systems.

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"It's a problem solving and benefit stacking exercise for the next generation of farmers," said Dan French, Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit. "We hope to encourage students to think critically and creatively as they engage real issues impacting farms right now, troubleshoot with today's technology, and tinker with these fresh dual-use concepts that are starting to make big differences in the field and creating tomorrow's growth opportunities."

The challenge is open to all students—whether in classrooms, STEM clubs, FFA chapters, homeschool programs, or independent projects. With grade-specific categories and tailored guidance, students of all ages can participate at a level that fits their abilities as an individual or on a team. Educators and parents are encouraged to support students in their participation and will find resources available on the challenge website.

Finalists and winning projects will be recognized at the 2025 Solar Farm Summit, August 4-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas to industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers.

Key Details

• Open and free to participate for K-12 and post-secondary education students.
• Focus on designing dual-use solar projects that integrate energy production with agriculture and/or conservation.
• Submissions can include drawings, models, and/or written proposals.
• Winning designs will be showcased at the 2025 Solar Farm Summit.
• Curated educator resources available to inspire and support participation.

Deadlines

• Challenge Deadline: June 11.
• Showcase-Only Deadline: July 21.

Details regarding cash prizes, travel scholarships, and awards will be announced in the near future.

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For more information on how to participate in the Dual-Use Design Challenge, visit https://solarfarmsummit.com/student-design-challenge.

About the Solar Farm Summit

The Solar Farm Summit is North America's agrivoltaics conference and farming + solar exhibition bringing together farmers, developers, researchers, and innovators to explore the future of agriculture and energy. SFS fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the growing field of dual-use solar development to catalyze informed action on the cutting edge of agriculture + energy during the industry's most constructive event.

About the InSPIRE Project

The InSPIRE project (Innovative Solar Practices Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems) is the nation's longest running and largest agrivoltaics research initiative. InSPIRE explores how solar energy can be co-developed with agriculture and native landscapes, conducting field research, providing data-driven insights, and convening experts across disciplines. By advancing our understanding of agrivoltaics and other dual-use solutions, InSPIRE supports the scaling of solar projects that benefit both landowners and ecosystems.