Solar for Nitrate Reduction
Solar for Nitrate Reduction + Improved Drinking Water
The Great Plains Institute and EOR are supporting the MN Dept.of Health in exploring the potential for solar developments to restore drinking water quality for communities in highly vulnerable Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) - see interactive map here. The project team is leading a steering committee of state agencies, advocates, and industry stakeholders to investigate the use of large-scale, pollinator-friendly, solar gardens to replace nitrate-producing cropland.
The benefits of which would bring health and safety to rural communities, restore natural habitats and the environment. In addition, these solar developments could provide substantial cost savings to local and state water providers, while continuing to offer farmers income-generation for their land. See the project summary poster which was presented at the national CleanPower Conference May 7, 2024.
Client Benefits
- Development of a project steering committee, composed of state agencies, advocates, and industry stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for solar on DWSMAs in high-nitrate watersheds and pilot sites.
- Catalog relevant interconnection standards, market conditions, as well as identify programs and policy initiatives.
- Click here for the DWSMA SOLAR PROJECT SUMMARY SHEET
- Use of nitrate leaching calculator in evaluating land use options for management scenarios (solar use vs. agricultural use)
Related Projects
Solar as Restorative Site
Use of community solar gardens to restore wetlands, habitat, and site hydrology.
Wind & Solar Ordinances
Utility-scale wind & solar ordinance revision, research, and stakeholder support.
Fen Monitoring for Utility
Hydrologic, chemical, and isotopic groundwater monitoring for utility crossing.