Project

Solar Power and the Aquaculture Industry

Deploying solar energy on aquaculture farms.

One of the barriers to creating a net-zero shellfish industry is the lack of access to the electric grid on ocean-based farms. To date, the industry depends on gas powered generators. This project envisions a new solution by partnering with farmers and solar experts to conceptualize β€” and develop β€” a market for cost-effective, self-contained solar systems as an alternative to gas-powered generators.

Project Goals:

  • Identify current use-case scenarios of solar deployment in remote locations, specifically aquaculture, and understand the equipment and design factors that make them successful.
  • Work with businesses, aquaculture farmers, solar experts, and state administrators to identify self-contained solar systems that we can deploy in Maine aquaculture lease areas.
  • Work with federal and state funding agencies to identify low-cost funding opportunities to install these self-contained solar systems and run scenario-based cost-benefit analyses contrasting solar with traditional gas generators.
  • Compile our findings into a resource guide on implementing solar on aquaculture farms from start to finish.
  • Raise awareness of solar opportunities in the aquaculture industry and leverage other GMRI projects to create action towards a net-zero local shellfish industry.

Project Team

Project Partner

Origin Spring Foundation

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