Jack’s Solar Garden is a community solar garden that is the largest commercial agrivoltaics research site in the U.S.
The 1.2 MW, single-axis tracking solar system with 3,276 solar panels covers four acres of land on a 24-acre farm
Over 50 residents, five commercial entities, and two local governments subscribe to the electricity generated by Jack’s Solar Garden
The family grew a variety of crops under the solar panels including lettuce, raspberries, and sage
Jack’s Solar Garden is owned by the Kominek family and the solar array is designed to maximize electricity production while allowing researchers and agricultural workers to operate within the system. Researchers from institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of Arizona (UA) investigate the effects of solar panel-created microclimates on plant growth.
The project is supported by partners like Audubon Rockies, which has planted over 3,000 perennials around the solar array, and Sprout City Farms (SCF), which manages crop cultivation beneath the panels. Additionally, the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center (CALC) offers educational programs on-site to teach community groups about the benefits of agrivoltaics.
The electricity generated by Jack’s Solar Garden, which is enough to power approximately 300 average Colorado homes annually, is sold through Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Community program. Subscribers, including over 50 residents, five commercial businesses, and two local governments (Boulder County and the City of Boulder), receive credits on their electricity bills based on their share of the energy produced.
During the construction process, efforts were made to minimize land disturbance, ensuring that the long-standing brome and alfalfa forage remained largely unaffected. After a year, over 83% plans survived. The shade from the solar panels helps plants retain moisture and carbon, which can lead to enhanced crop yields and increased carbon sequestration, a critical process in reducing greenhouse gasses and combating climate change.
Studies have demonstrated that solar farms can boost wildlife diversity by offering shade and refuge for native perennial plants. By carefully selecting plant species, the soil can become more fertile, and biodiversity can be enriched.
The solar system improved the economics of the Kominek family’s hay farm while benefiting their local community. The initiative also donates 2% of its power to low-income households through the Boulder County Housing Authority.
Jack’s Solar Garden also enriches the community by offering an annual stipend to an “Artist on the Farm,” who engages with the community through various artistic endeavors.
Jack’s Solar Garden financed the solar installation through a combination of federal and state tax credits, private investments, and community solar subscriptions. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy projects provided significant financial support, covering a substantial portion of the installation costs.
The project also received financial backing from private investors who were interested in supporting renewable energy initiatives. The sale of electricity through community solar subscriptions also contributed to the project’s financial viability, allowing local residents, businesses, and government entities to purchase shares in the solar garden and receive credits on their energy bills.
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