Student Design Challenge Aims to Inspire Solar Farming Innovation

Open Dual-Use Design Challenge calls students to find agrivoltaic solutions to on-farm challenges and develop integrated value-add ideas to support agriculture and agribusiness by incorporating advanced solar applications.

CHICAGO - March 7, 2025 - PRLog -- 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.

"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.

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