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Username
Amelia Amon
Proposer First Name
Amelia
Proposer Email
AAmon@alt-technica.com
Proposer Last Name
Amon
Proposer Company/Organization
Alt.Technica
Proposer Phone
(212) 920-9668
Proposer Job Title
Solar Designer
Proposed Session Description
If solar is to have the substantial presence, required acreage, and community acceptance to produce sufficient energy for a low-carbon future, we need to work with our fellow earthlings. Local birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, & other wildlife co-evolved with native plants and need them for continued sustenance. Cook Farm Solar produces enough electricity for ~500 Rhode Island homes, while growing pollinator-friendly species and utilizing sheep to manage vegetation within the fenced solar area. Plantings absorb stormwater, prevent erosion, store carbon, and lower temperatures, improving the performance of photovoltaics and the productivity of local farms. This proven solution maintains agriculture and provides a healthier ecosystem than mowed vegetation. With thoughtful planting and added ecological services, solar farms can become wonderlands full of vibrant life.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Session addresses our lack of attention to the needs of other species as we redesign our energy system. Planting to enhance the survival of birds & beneficial insects also decreases operation & maintenance costs, while increasing the overall beauty & functionality of the natural environment
Learning Objectives
Analyze the national & local case studies that verify the viability and positive results of pollinator-friendly solar farms.
Identify information sources attesting to the efficacy of native plantings, vetted by entomologists and organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society, the Center for Pollinators in Energy, & National Geographic.
Compare the combined upfront and operations & maintenance costs of pollinator-friendly solar farms with standard turf-grass or pebble landscaping over the lifetime of solar installations.
Determine the appropriate county, state, and national standards & scorecards that exist for rating pollinator-friendly solar farms.
Has this session been presented before?
Yes
When and Where?
Similar but abbreviated presentation at the ASES virtual conference in June 2020
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format Details
2 quick 10 minute introductory presentations with audience participation throughout. Could go to 60 minutes as well.

Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2021

Comments about your speaker roster
National experts could be added for a virtual presentation. Will try to upload a video link asap
Anything else you'd like to tell us about your session proposal?
It's really the visuals that tell the story. Anyone who sees the difference between solar arrays amidst a field of wild flowers with happy sheep or goats grazing, compared to the usual techno-wasteland, should be convinced that pollinator-friendly solar is the way toward a beautiful future! https://fresh-energy.org/electric-cooperatives-connecting-pollinator-conservation-and-clean-energy/
Reviewer 1
Cater, James
Proposal #
210
Committee Decision
Rejected

Presenters

Full Description
Solar farms are portrayed as ugly deserts, competing with agriculture and other land use. Meanwhile, 3/4 of flowering plants and about 35% food crops depend on pollinators. Bumblebee species have declined by 46% in North America. Solar developers who offer pollinator-friendly fields will have a competitive advantage with communities & zoning boards, as well as corporations, universities, rural electric co-ops, & electric utilities. All need good PR with beautiful sustainable results.