Maryland Extension Training: Solar Photovoltaic Options, Opportunities and Challenges

Progress report for ENE20-165

ENE20-165 (project overview)
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2020: $72,152.00
Projected End Date: 10/31/2023
Grant Recipient: University of Maryland
Region: Northeast
State: Maryland
Project Leader:
Dr. Drew Schiavone
Email
University of Maryland
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Project Information

Summary:

Problem and Justification

Due to increasing energy costs, and decreasing cost of solar technology, many farms in Maryland are considering solar electric installations to power their operations. Maryland’s ambitious energy policy also includes the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring 50% of the state’s electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030 (including 14.5% from solar energy), as well as, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act which calls for a 25% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020. However, only 7.25% of farms in Maryland currently have solar panels installed with many agricultural communities lacking the knowledge, technical expertise and experience necessary to facilitate this demand for on-farm solar.

A needs assessment conducted in 2018 identified the educational needs of Maryland Extension Educators and Specialists related to energy conservation and clean energy technology. The results from 98 completed surveys (33% response rate) indicated that educational priorities were related to solar PV (15%) and agricultural solar development (10%); with farmers reported as the most significant group currently seeking energy-related information (27%). Farm-based education related to energy decisions, renewable energy technology, and energy efficiency (46%) were also reported as priorities to enhance Extension efforts in Maryland; with a preference given to in-service training opportunities (43%). The proposed educational project would provide skill acquisition and knowledge gain related to on-farm solar PV, which would support this documented need for clean energy workshops (14%) and demonstrations (20%).

Solution and Approach

As such, 80 Extension educators and other agricultural service providers would participate in regional train-the-trainer workshops to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness needed to implement on-farm solar PV. The train-the-trainer approach will help Maryland Extension learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV while ensuring farm sustainability by educating farmers on the appropriate applications of on-farm solar PV. The project will be coordinated statewide while specific programming will be customized and delivered to Extension faculty and staff on a regional basis. The educational curriculum and associated workshops will address the basic principles of solar PV technology, an exploration of appropriate on-farm applications, and an overview of solar contracts and leasing options relevant to Maryland farmers.

Milestones and Performance Target

Through participation in one of four regional train-the-trainer workshops, forty (40) Extension educators and other agricultural service providers in Maryland will gain the technical skills, knowledge, attitude, and awareness that is needed to provide 8 regional educational and training programs to farmers in Maryland interested in implementing on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV). Forty (40) of the 120 regional farmers (33% adoption rate) receiving guidance from Extension educators and other agricultural service providers will make changes to their operation to implement 500 kW of on-farm solar PV in Maryland.

Performance Target:

Forty (40) Extension educators and other agricultural service providers who gain skills and knowledge in the application of on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV) will provide 8 regional educational and training programs in Maryland (50% implementation rate) to 120 farmer beneficiaries with the support of the University of Maryland Extension network. A total of 40 farmers will make changes (33% adoption rate) to their operation to implement 500 kW of on-farm solar PV in Maryland.

Introduction:

Problem / Opportunity

Due to increasing energy costs, and decreasing cost of solar technology, many farms in Maryland are considering solar electric installations to power their operations. However, only 7.25% of farms in Maryland currently have solar panels installed with many agricultural communities lacking the knowledge, technical expertise and experience necessary to facilitate this demand for on-farm solar. A needs assessment conducted in 2018 identified the educational needs of Maryland Extension Educators and Specialists related to energy conservation and clean energy technology with results indicating educational priorities related to solar PV (15%) and agricultural solar development (10%). Farmers were reported as the most significant group currently seeking energy-related information (27%). Farm-based education related to energy decisions, renewable energy technology, and energy efficiency (46%) were also reported as priorities to enhance Extension efforts in Maryland; with a preference given to in-service training opportunities (43%). The proposed educational project would provide skill acquisition and knowledge gain related to on-farm solar PV, which would support this documented need for clean energy workshops (14%) and demonstrations (20%).

Solution / Approach

Through this educational program, 80 Extension educators and other agricultural service providers will participate in regional train-the-trainer workshops to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness needed to implement on-farm solar PV. The train-the-trainer approach will help Maryland Extension learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV while ensuring farm sustainability by educating farmers on the appropriate applications of on-farm solar PV. The educational curriculum and associated workshops will address the basic principles of solar PV technology, an exploration of appropriate on-farm applications, and an overview of solar contracts and leasing options relevant to Maryland farmers. Through participation in train-the-trainer workshops, forty (40) Extension educators and other agricultural service providers will gain the technical skills, knowledge, attitude, and awareness that is needed to provide 8 regional educational and training programs to farmers in Maryland interested in implementing on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV). Forty (40) of the 120 regional farmers (33% adoption rate) receiving guidance from Extension educators and other agricultural service providers will make changes to their operation to implement 500 kW of on-farm solar PV in Maryland.

Cooperators

Click linked name(s) to expand/collapse or show everyone's info
  • Paul Goeringer (Educator)

Educational Approach

Educational approach:

Online training was conducted between September 2020 and December 2020 through a webinar series targeting agricultural service providers and farmers in Maryland. This online format was implemented due to Covid-related restrictions limiting in-person programming in 2020. The 9-part webinar series was conducted in accordance with a proposed educational curriculum addressing the basic principles of solar PV technology and the application of appropriate on-farm technology. This online webinar series addressed: 1) Maryland's solar market (energy fundamentals, solar industry, on-farm applications); 2) solar PV basics (electricity and circuits, cells and modules, components and system types); 3) planning and design (energy auditing; site assessment, system sizing); 4) regulations and zoning (permitting, zoning, ordinances); 5) installation and maintenance (energy efficiency, self-installation, contractor selection); 6) financial options (production and costs, incentives, financial models); 7) shared solar (community solar, solar co-ops); 8) utility-scale leasing (legal considerations, community issues, environmental concerns); and 9) battery storage (energy basics, battery technology, system design). Presentations for each session were developed in a slideshow format and recorded in a video format. Slide decks and video recordings were made available on the Maryland Energy Extension website (extension.umd.edu/energy). Participants provided feedback within 24 hours of each online train-the-trainer workshop regarding their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries.

With in-person programming further delayed throughout 2021 due to COVID-related concerns and restrictions, a video training series was initiated in May 2021. As of January 2023, eighteen (18) training videos have been produced to equip farmers with the knowledge, attitude, skills, and awareness needed to implement on-farm solar. This online training series includes: 1) How to Use a Multimeter with Solar Modules (11:27); 2) How to Test and Replace Diodes in Solar Modules (10:49); 3) How to Assess Power and Shading on Solar Modules (10:46); 4) How to Perform a Load Assessment for a Solar Electric System (14:06); 5) How to Perform a Site Assessment and Shading Analysis for Solar (14:16); 6) How to Estimate the Size of Your Solar Electric System (14:53); 7) How to Size Wires and Fuses for a Solar Electric System (13:01); 8) How to Wire a Solar Junction Box and Assemble PV Cable (10:19); 9) How to Wire a Solar Combiner Box or Pass-Through Box (13:57); 10) How and why to wire solar panels in series (13:05);  11) How and why to wire solar panels in parallel (13:17); 12) How to wire different sizes of solar panels together (12:04); 13) How to design and size a solar battery system (15:42); 14) How to select and size a solar charge controller (14:12); 15) How to wire a solar charge controller and battery bank (10:53); 16) How to size and select a solar inverter (15:50); 17) How to select and install a solar disconnect switch (12:01); and 18) How to wire an off grid and grid-tied solar inverter (14:52). This ongoing video training series supports and supplements the previous train-the-trainer webinar series (fall 2020), as well as in-person education and training workshops conducted regionally (throughout 2022); alleviating the challenges involved with safe facilitation of in-person programming.

Additional education and hands-on training was provided to ag service providers and farmers with regional workshops held throughout 2022. A total of ten (10) regional workshops were held throughout 2022,  including: Accident (March 23, 2022); Keedysville (March 30, 2022); Bel Alton (April 6, 2022); Salisbury (April 13, 2022); Cumberland (April 28, 2022); Benedict (September 12, 2022); Prince Frederick (September 13, 2022); Annapolis (October 5, 2022); Cockeysville (October 5, 2022); and Leonardtown (December 7, 2022). While each in-person training workshop was tailored to regional demands and interests, each workshop addressed the basic principles of electricity (AC and DC power, electrical safety, multimeter use, circuitry and wiring); PV components (cells and modules, Balance of Systems, spec sheets); and system design (energy auditing, site assessment, system sizing). These training workshops were conducted in accordance with a proposed educational curriculum addressing the basic principles of solar PV technology and the application of appropriate on-farm technology. Instructional resources corresponding to this educational curriculum were utilized in the workshops. PV systems (e.g., pump/motor, light, fencing) were demonstrated in person, or through supplemental virtual training. Workshop participants were provided with online resources (presentation slide decks, webinar series video, video trainings) and other educational materials (factsheets). All additional educational materials were made available on the Maryland Energy Extension website (extension.umd.edu/energy). Workshop participants provided feedback within 24 hours of each workshop regarding their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries, or to implement on-farm solar PV. Additional feedback is being gathered from participants after 6 and 12 months, in order to determine long term implementation metrics.

Milestones

Milestone #1 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Four (4) agricultural service providers will attend an advisory panel meeting (in-person, by WebEx, or phone conference), along with other stakeholders serving on the advisory panel, to discuss initial project development and the desired program outcomes.

Proposed number of farmer beneficiaries who will participate:
4
Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
4
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
6
Proposed Completion Date:
July 15, 2020
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
June 24, 2020
Accomplishments:
  • Advisory panel discussed project overview (KASA goals, workshops content, schedule); budget (equipment, demonstrations); and regional priorities (local priorities, equipment needs; tentative timeline and sites; potential scholarship opportunities; online delivery format options).
  • Advisory panel discussed watering & remote applications of solar PV including PV well pumps capable of high flowrates (gpm). Various applications were discussed with respect to current agricultural operations and education centers throughout Maryland. Educational opportunities were identified including those producers with no capability to run electrical wires.
  • Advisory panel discussed financial options for solar PV and various factors impacting the cost effectiveness of on-farm PV systems. A need for information on government programs, cost shares and incentives associated with solar PV applications was identified. While leasing and zoning issues are more of a priority with larger farms, the advisory panel expressed an interest in understanding lease options; particularly in regards to what landowners should be watching for.
  • Advisory panel discussed regulatory and zoning factors associated with solar PV. While zoning approval is required for most permanent installations, including solar well pumps, temporary applications such as livestock or wildlife fencing may not require zoning approval for ag use in all counties. Clarification is needed on requirements for perimeter fencing or planting on small-scale projects. Property rights of PV leases also becomes an issue on larger projects in Maryland due to ag preservation restrictions which will likely be one of the greatest challenges. While there is some significant opposition to utility scale systems from farmers and the farm bureau in some counties, those solar systems directly supporting farm production are generally viewed favorably.
  • Advisory panel discussed production & land use issues including plans to investigate leasing issues and the economic impact of taking land out of production to support solar development. The implementation of available roof space should be distinguished from ground-mounted systems which could displace field crops. Rising grain costs should be considered with economic assessment, as well as any additional costs to accommodate mixed solar and livestock production. The growing interest is pollinator sites are discussed, but there concern was expressed over the level of effort that would be required to maintain an effective pollinator site.
  • Advisory panel discussed wildlife exclusion using solar PV fencing, particularly around soybean fields which are experiencing tremendous deer pressure. The costs and lifespan of exclusion fencing is not fully understood as it relates to the low net returns on some ag commodities, while solar PV fencing would be more practical for vegetable, fruit, nursery or ornamental operations. Interest in various fencing options (2-strands, 3-strands, triangle shape) was also expressed. Consideration was given to private and publicly-owned demo fields to evaluate solar PV fencing.
  • Advisory panel discussed the delivery format of educational programming with a consensus to split the workshops into shorter sessions in order to simplify the logistics of facilitating a full-day program; distribute the sessions over the calendar to permit additional participants; and accommodate pandemic-related restrictions. The transition to more electronic delivery formats (i.e., webinar, pre-recorded video, hybrid) was also emphasized in terms of improving program participation by providing remote-learning options. Additional interest and participation could come from outside of Maryland. Small-scale, farmers’ market producers could also have an interest in implementing solar.
  • Advisory panel discussed the development of an on-farm solar PV curriculum, as well as a tentative timeline for a train-the-trainer programming series. The proposed curriculum was provided to the advisory committee for their consideration by with revisions made by July 31, 2020.
  • Advisory panel discussed the development of field demonstrations in different regions of the state. Options to record field demos for electronic delivery (on-demand video and/or hybrid webinar) were discussed.
Milestone #2 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Five hundred (500) Extension educators and other agricultural service providers will receive recruitment materials and reminders to participate in a train-the-trainer workshop to learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
500
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
512
Proposed Completion Date:
July 31, 2020
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
September 9, 2021
Accomplishments:

Distribution of recruitment materials to Extension educators and other agricultural service providers in Maryland began in late August through early September through the following formats:

Milestone #3 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Eighty (80) agricultural service providers will participate in a train-the-trainer workshop (20 agricultural service providers per workshop) to learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
80
Actual number of farmer beneficiaries who participated:
29
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
30
Proposed Completion Date:
December 31, 2020
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
December 2, 2020
Accomplishments:

Online training was conducted between September 30, 2020 and December 2, 2020 through a webinar series targeting agricultural service providers and farmers in Maryland. This online format was implemented due to Covid-related restrictions limiting in-person programming in 2020. The 9-part webinar series was conducted in accordance with a proposed educational curriculum addressing the basic principles of solar PV technology and the application of appropriate on-farm technology. This online webinar series addressed: 1) Maryland’s solar market (energy fundamentals, solar industry, on-farm applications; 28 participants); 2) solar PV basics (electricity and circuits, cells and modules, components and system types; 26 participants); 3) planning and design (energy auditing; site assessment, system sizing; 24 participants); 4) regulations and zoning (permitting, zoning, ordinances; 19 participants); 5) installation and maintenance (energy efficiency, self-installation, contractor selection; 18 participants); 6) financial options (production and costs, incentives, financial models; 11 participants); 7) shared solar (community solar, solar co-ops; 14 participants); 8) utility-scale leasing (legal considerations, community issues, environmental concerns; 14 participants); and 9) battery storage (energy basics, battery technology, system design; 16 participants). Participation across all sessions was determined to be 36.6% homeowner/landowner, 28.5% farming, 12.9% Extension, 8.6% government, 5.4% ag service provider, 4.8% research, 2.2% non-profit, 0.5% finance; and 0.5% utilities or solar industry (based on self-selected choice totals). Presentations were developed in a slideshow format and each session was recorded in a video format. Slide decks and video recordings were made available on the Maryland Energy Extension website (extension.umd.edu/energy). Slide decks have been downloaded 6,181 times, and the videos have been viewed a total of 1,486 times, as of January 2, 2023.

Milestone #4 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Seventy two (72) agricultural service providers will provide feedback (90% response rate) within 24 hours of participating in a train-the-trainer workshop on their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
72
Actual number of farmer beneficiaries who participated:
16
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
22
Proposed Completion Date:
December 31, 2020
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
December 3, 2020
Accomplishments:

Participants provided feedback within 24 hours of each online train-the-trainer workshop regarding their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries. Knowledge gains were reported on the post-/pre- evaluation (5-point Likert scale) as follows: Maryland’s solar market (n=11; 22.58%-increase on mean); PV basics (n=19; 20.83%-increase on mean); planning and design (n=19; 34.69%-increase on mean); regulations and zoning (n=12; 31.03%-increase on mean); installation and maintenance (n=12; 68.18%-increase on mean); financial options (n=6; 61.54%-increase on mean); community solar options (n=6; 40.00%-increase on mean); utility-scale leasing (n=11; 75.00%-increase on mean); and battery storage (n=6; 42.86%-increase on mean). Survey responses also indicated that participants plan to seek additional information on solar PV (47%), educate others on the use of solar PV (25%), assess options to implement solar PV (23%), explore land leasing opportunities for solar PV (9%), purchase and install solar PV on their farm (9%), discuss a solar contract with an attorney/specialist (8%), contact a solar installer (7%), apply for a grant or loan for solar PV (6%), sign a contract with a solar installer (3%), or take some other action (2%) within 6 months of participating in the educational program.

Milestone #5 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Forty (40) agricultural service providers (50% implementation rate) will attend regional planning sessions (5 agricultural service providers per planning session) following their participation in train-the-trainer workshops in order to review the educational curriculum and develop plans to provide their own education and training program to farmer beneficiaries through regional workshops.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
40
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
10
Proposed Completion Date:
June 30, 2021
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
January 14, 2022
Accomplishments:

Ten (10) agricultural service providers attended regional planning sessions, through virtual and phone communication, following their participation in train-the-trainer workshops. Participants reviewed the educational curriculum and developed plans to provide further education and training initiatives to farmer beneficiaries through regional workshops. Each agricultural service provider identified the greatest educational priorities for farmers in their region related to solar electric systems. The highest priorities identified across the state were: competition with agricultural land use, various energy uses for on-farm operations, residential solar installations, wildlife exclusion fencing, and state energy policy. Each agricultural service provider reviewed the educational curriculum and adopted relevant program outlines and agendas to address regional needs. Regional program outlines and agendas were tailored to meet regional educational priorities by each agricultural service provider. Agricultural service providers coordinated six workshops for the Spring, and an additional five workshops in Fall, in order to reach farmers in their respective regions of the state.

Milestone #6 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Forty (40) agricultural service providers will provide 8 regional education and training workshops to 120 farmer beneficiaries (15 farmer beneficiaries per workshop) following their regional planning session to help farmer beneficiaries learn about various on-farm solar PV options, opportunities and challenges.

Proposed number of farmer beneficiaries who will participate:
120
Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
40
Actual number of farmer beneficiaries who participated:
167
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
30
Proposed Completion Date:
December 30, 2021
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
December 7, 2022
Accomplishments:

While the scheduling of in-person programs was delayed through 2021 due to COVID-related concerns and restrictions, a video training series was initiated in May 2021. As of January 2, 2022, 18 training videos have been produced to support in-person training by further equipping farmers with the knowledge, attitude, skills, and awareness needed to implement on-farm solar. This ongoing video training series supports and supplements the previous train-the-trainer webinar series, as well as the regional education and training workshops that were conducted in-person throughout 2022; thereby alleviating some of the challenges that are faced with safe facilitation of in-person training. As of January 2, 2022, this online training video series includes: 

  • How to Use a Multimeter with Solar Modules (11:27; 3,300 views)
  • How to Test and Replace Diodes in Solar Modules (10:49; 9,900 views)
  • How to Assess Power and Shading on Solar Modules (10:46; 708 views)
  • How to Perform a Load Assessment for a Solar Electric System (14:06; 506 views)
  • How to Perform a Site Assessment and Shading Analysis for Solar (14:16; 674 views)
  • How to Estimate the Size of Your Solar Electric System (14:53; 838 views)
  • How to Size Wires and Fuses for a Solar Electric System (13:01; 4,300 views)
  • How to Wire a Solar Junction Box and Assemble PV Cable (10:19; 4,600 views)
  • How to wire a solar combiner box or pass through box (13:56; 7,000 views)
  • How and why to wire solar panels in series (13:05; 5,600 views)
  • How and why to wire solar panels in parallel (13:17; 33,500 views)
  • How to wire different sizes of solar panels together (12:04; 7,500 views)
  • How to design and size a solar battery system (15:42; 7,900 views)
  • How to select and size a solar charge controller (14:12; 15,800 views)
  • How to wire a solar charge controller and battery (10:53; 8,300 views)
  • How to size and select a solar inverter (15:50; 2,600 views)
  • How to select and install a solar disconnect switch (12:01; 1,600 views)
  • How to wire off-grid and grid-tied solar inverters (14:52; 635 views)

Ten (10) agricultural service providers also coordinated and facilitated regional education and training workshops following their regional planning sessions. The workshops were designed to help farmer beneficiaries learn about various on-farm solar PV options, opportunities and challenges. These workshops were facilitated throughout 2022. A total of ten (10) regional workshops were held throughout 2022,  including:

  • Accident, MD (March 23, 2022; 18 participants; 4 ag service providers)
  • Keedysville, MD (March 30, 2022; 19 participants; 2 ag service providers)
  • Bel Alton, MD (April 6, 2022; 15 participants; 4 ag service providers)
  • Salisbury, MD (April 6, 2022; 12 participants; 3 ag service providers)
  • Cumberland, MD (April 13, 2022; 23 participants; 4 ag service providers)
  • Benedict, MD (September 12, 2022; 11 participants; 3 ag service providers)
  • Prince Frederick, MD (September 13, 2022; 10 participants; 3 ag service providers)
  • Annapolis, MD (October 3, 2022; 16 participants; 2 ag service providers)
  • Baltimore, MD (October 5, 2022; 17 participants; 2 ag service providers)
  • Leonardtown, MD (December 7, 2022; 13 participants; 3 ag service providers)

While each in-person training workshop was tailored to regional demands and interests, each workshop addressed the basic principles of electricity (AC and DC power, electrical safety, multimeter use, circuitry and wiring); PV components (cells and modules, Balance of Systems, spec sheets); and system design (energy auditing, site assessment, system sizing). These training workshops were conducted in accordance with a proposed educational curriculum addressing the basic principles of solar PV technology and the application of appropriate on-farm technology. Instructional resources corresponding to this educational curriculum were utilized in the workshops. PV systems (e.g., pump/motor, light, fencing) were demonstrated in person, or through supplemental virtual training. Workshop participants were provided with online resources (presentation slide decks, webinar series video, video trainings) and other educational materials (factsheets). All additional educational materials were made available on the Maryland Energy Extension website (extension.umd.edu/energy).

Milestone #7 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Forty (40) agricultural service providers will issue pre- and post-workshop evaluations for their farmer beneficiaries within 24 hours of their respective education and training workshop to determine the knowledge gained by the farmer beneficiaries, as well as any plans made by the farmer beneficiaries to explore and/or implement on-farm solar PV. The agricultural service providers will report this data back to the PI by a survey or electronic form they receive from the PI.

Proposed number of farmer beneficiaries who will participate:
120
Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
40
Actual number of farmer beneficiaries who participated:
125
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
22
Proposed Completion Date:
December 31, 2021
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
December 7, 2022
Accomplishments:

Workshop participants provided feedback within 24 hours of each workshop regarding their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries, or to implement on-farm solar PV. Knowledge gains were reported by 71 (69%) of the participants responding to the post-/pre- evaluation (5-point Likert scale) with a 36% increase in mean knowledge levels. Survey responses also indicated that participants plan to seek additional information on solar PV (29%), assess options to install solar (28%); apply for a grant or loan (10%); contact a solar installer (10%); purchase or install solar (9%);  educate others on solar energy (5%); or take some other action (9%) within 6 to 12 months of participating in the educational workshop. The preliminary data, reported on these pre- and post-workshop surveys, indicates that 47 participants will install solar, sign a contract for solar, or apply for funding to support 466kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months. Another 87 participants will assess solar options, discuss a solar contract, or contact a solar installer to support an additional 486 kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, another 80 participants will seek additional info, explore land leasing opportunities, or educate others on solar energy to support an additional 219kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months.

Milestone #8 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Two (2) agricultural service providers will make presentations (i.e., online webinar) to discuss their experience and progress to date in providing education and training to farmer beneficiaries dealing with solar PV. Forty (40) additional agricultural service providers will view or participate in this presentation to learn how to initiate or improve their own educational programs associated with on-farm solar PV.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
42
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
32
Proposed Completion Date:
September 30, 2021
Status:
Completed
Date Completed:
July 27, 2021
Accomplishments:

A total of 32 agricultural service providers participated in two (2) separate virtual presentations to learn how to initiate, or how to improve, educational programs associated with on-farm solar PV. Each virtual presentation was made to discuss the experiences and progress to date in providing education and training to farmer beneficiaries dealing with solar PV, including: 

  • Maryland Energy Extension Training: Solar PV Options, Opportunities and Challenges. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: Annual National Meeting, Virtual (July 13, 2021). [10 participants].
  • On-Farm Solar Energy Opportunities and Training. Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference. Virtual (July 27, 2021). [22 participants].
Milestone #9 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Forty (40) agricultural service providers will issue a 6-month follow-up survey for their farmer beneficiaries following their respective regional education and training workshop to determine how many farmer beneficiaries assessed the application of solar PV for their farm and/or implemented solar PV on their farm. The agricultural service providers will report this data back to the PI by a survey or electronic form they receive from the PI.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
40
Proposed Completion Date:
June 30, 2022
Status:
In Progress
Accomplishments:

Participants of the online train-the-trainer workshop series (conducted in the Fall of 2020) provided feedback on an electronic survey that was emailed 6 months after participating in an online train-the-trainer workshop. Survey responses for this 6-month follow-up aimed to identify any longer-term actions, and/or plans, to implement learning outcomes and/or educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries. Feedback indicated that participants had already informed 21 people on solar technology, while planning to inform an additional 32 people through upcoming education and/or consulting. Participant feedback of this 6 month survey also identified 100 W of solar installed, with an additional 30,000 kW planned to be installed in the immediate future.

Participants of an in-person training workshop (conducted throughout 2022) also provided feedback on electronic surveys that were emailed 6 months after participating in a regional training workshop. Survey responses for this 6-month follow-up aimed to identify any longer-term actions, and/or plans, to implement learning outcomes and/or educational materials and training. Preliminary feedback (from the five workshops held in Spring 2022) indicated that participants planned to inform 8,000 people through upcoming education and/or consulting. Survey responses also indicated that three (3) participants already purchased, funded, or signed a contract to install 100 kW of solar. Three (3) additional participants indicated they had already assessed, discussed, or contacted a solar installer. Finally, two (2) additional participants indicated they had educated, explored options, or sought additional information on solar. Survey responses further indicated that five (5) participants were planning to fund, purchase, or sign a contract to install another 1 kW of solar. Seven (7) additional participants indicated that they were planning to assess, discuss, or contact a solar installer to implement 1,000 kW of solar. Finally, five (5) additional participants indicated their intentions to educate, explore options, or seek additional information.

Additional consultations conducted by phone, email, in-person, or through social media channels has indicated an additional 14,854 kW of installed solar, with another 39,400 kW of solar expected to be installed in the near future.

Surveys will continue to be facilitated at 6 and 12 month periods. Additional information will be obtained through ongoing consultations.

 

Milestone #10 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Four (4) agricultural service providers will make presentations (i.e., online webinar) to discuss their experience in providing education and training to farmer beneficiaries dealing with solar PV. Forty (40) additional agricultural service providers will view or participate in this presentation to learn how to initiate or improve their own educational programs associated with on-farm solar PV.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
44
Actual number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who participated:
247
Proposed Completion Date:
June 30, 2022
Status:
In Progress
Accomplishments:

A total of 247 agricultural service providers participated in several presentations to learn how to initiate, or how to improve, educational programs associated with on-farm solar PV. Each presentation was made to discuss the experiences and progress to date in providing education and training to farmer beneficiaries dealing with solar PV, including: 

  • Solar Energy Education and Training. Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals. Kalamazoo, MI (June 3, 2022). [72 participants].
  • On-Farm Solar Energy Opportunities and Training. National Extension Energy Summit & National Sustainability Summit. State University, PA (May 16, 2022). [25 participants].
  • On-Farm Solar Energy Opportunities and Training. Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference. Edgewood, MD (August 1, 2022). [35 participants].
  • Solar on the Farm Webinar. University of Maryland Extension. Virtual (August 16, 2022). [115 participants].
Milestone #11 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Forty (40) agricultural service providers will provide information on a 12-month follow-up questionnaire to determine how many farmer beneficiaries received educational services and training through this project. Data will be collected on how many farmer beneficiaries have planned to implement, or have already implemented, on-farm solar PV in addition to the number of kilowatts (kW) for these applications. The agricultural service providers will report this data back to the PI by a survey or electronic form they receive from the PI.

Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
40
Proposed Completion Date:
December 31, 2022
Status:
In Progress
Milestone #12 (click to expand/collapse)
What beneficiaries do and learn:

Four (4) agricultural service providers will attend an advisory panel meeting (in-person, by WebEx, or phone conference), along with other stakeholders serving on the advisory panel, to discuss the program outcomes and the potential for any continued programs based on the curriculum.

Proposed number of farmer beneficiaries who will participate:
4
Proposed number of agriculture service provider beneficiaries who will participate:
4
Proposed Completion Date:
December 31, 2022
Status:
In Progress

Milestone Activities and Participation Summary

Educational activities and events conducted by the project team:

47 Consultations
13 Curricula, factsheets or educational tools
3 On-farm demonstrations
27 Online trainings
12 Published press articles, newsletters
22 Webinars / talks / presentations
10 Workshop field days

Participants in the project’s educational activities:

25 Extension
24 Researchers
16 Nonprofit
19 Agency
30 Ag service providers (other or unspecified)
289 Farmers/ranchers
116747 Others
289 Farmers participated
30 Number of agricultural educator or service providers reached through education and outreach activities

Learning Outcomes

71 Agricultural service providers reported changes in knowledge, skills and/or attitudes as a result of their participation.
130 Farmers reported changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness as a result of their participation
131 Ag service providers intend to use knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness learned through this project in their educational activities and services for farmers
Key areas in which the service providers (and farmers if indicated above) reported a change in knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness::

Post- and pre-workshop survey questions were administered with each online webinar (fall 2020 season) to assess content-specific knowledge gained by participants. A proprietary polling tool was implemented within the Zoom webinar software. Knowledge levels were self-assessed by each participant based on a standard question format, "How much did/do you know about...before/after participating in this webinar?" Single choice options were provided based on a 5-point Likert-scale (1=None: didn't know anything...; 2=Little: knew very little...; 3=Moderate: knew somewhat... ;4= High: knew a lot...; 5=Very High: knew almost everything...). The content-specific knowledge for each webinar was: 1) the role of solar PV in Maryland’s energy economy; 2) the functions of major solar PV components and system options; 3) solar PV design and system sizing; 4) solar permitting and ordinances in Maryland; 5) installing solar PV; 6) solar financing; 7) shared solar opportunities; 8) utility-scale solar leasing; and 9) battery storage. The following learning outcomes were reported on the post-/pre- evaluation (5-point Likert scale): Maryland’s solar market (n=11; 22.58%-increase on mean); PV basics (n=19; 20.83%-increase on mean); planning and design (n=19; 34.69%-increase on mean); regulations and zoning (n=12; 31.03%-increase on mean); installation and maintenance (n=12; 68.18%-increase on mean); financial options (n=6; 61.54%-increase on mean); community solar options (n=6; 40.00%-increase on mean); utility-scale leasing (n=11; 75.00%-increase on mean); and battery storage (n=6; 42.86%-increase on mean). Survey responses also indicated that participants plan to seek additional information on solar PV (47%), educate others on the use of solar PV (25%), assess options to implement solar PV (23%), explore land leasing opportunities for solar PV (9%), purchase and install solar PV on my farm (9%), discuss a solar contract with an attorney/specialist (8%), will contact a solar installer (7%), apply for a grant or loan for solar PV (6%), sign a contract with a solar installer (3%), or take some other action (2%) within 6 months of participating in this educational program. Participants of the online train-the-trainer workshop series (conducted in the Fall of 2020) also provided feedback on an electronic survey that was emailed 6 months after participating in an online train-the-trainer workshop. Survey responses for this 6-month follow-up aimed to identify any longer-term actions, and/or plans, to implement learning outcomes and/or educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries. Feedback indicated that participants had already informed 21 people on solar technology, while planning to inform an additional 32 people through upcoming education and/or consulting. Participant feedback of this 6 month survey also identified 100 W of solar installed, with an additional 30,000kW planned to be installed in the immediate future.

Post- and pre-workshop survey questions were also administered with each regional workshop (throughout 2022) to assess their pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries, or to implement on-farm solar PV. A printed survey was implemented during each workshop to facilitate this assessment. Knowledge levels were self-assessed by each participant based on a standard question format, "How much did/do you know about solar before/after participating in this training workshop?" Single choice options were provided based on a 5-point Likert-scale (1=Novice: know nothing; 2=Low: knew very little; 3=Middle: knew somewhat ;4= High: knew a lot; 5=Expert: knew almost everything). Knowledge gains were reported by 71 (69%) of the participants responding to the post-/pre- evaluation (5-point Likert scale) with a 36% increase in mean knowledge levels. Survey responses also indicated that participants plan to seek additional information on solar PV (29%), assess options to install solar (28%); apply for a grant or loan (10%); contact a solar installer (10%); purchase or install solar (9%); educate others on solar energy (5%); or take some other action (9%) within 6 to 12 months of participating in the educational workshop. The preliminary data, reported on these pre- and post-workshop surveys, indicates that 47 participants will install solar, sign a contract for solar, or apply for funding to support 466kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months. Another 87 participants will assess solar options, discuss a solar contract, or contact a solar installer to support an additional 486 kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, another 80 participants will seek additional info, explore land leasing opportunities, or educate others on solar energy to support an additional 219kW of solar within the next 6 to 12 months. Participants of in-person training workshops (conducted throughout 2022) are also providing feedback on electronic surveys that are emailed 6 and 12 months after participating in a regional training workshop. Preliminary feedback, from the five (5) workshops held in Spring 2022, indicated that participants planned to inform 8,000 people through upcoming education and/or consulting. Survey responses also indicated that three (3) participants already purchased, funded, or signed a contract to install 100 kW of solar. Three (3) additional participants indicated they had already assessed, discussed, or contacted a solar installer. Finally, two (2) additional participants indicated they had educated, explored options, or sought additional information on solar. Survey responses further indicated that five (5) participants were planning to fund, purchase, or sign a contract to install another 1 kW of solar. Seven (7) additional participants indicated that they were planning to assess, discuss, or contact a solar installer to implement 1,000 kW of solar. Finally, five (5) additional participants indicated their intentions to educate, explore options, or seek additional information. Surveys will continue to be facilitated at 6 and 12 month periods.

Post- and pre-workshop survey questions were also administered during a train-the-trainer webinar (held in August 2022) to assess pre- and post-workshop knowledge levels, as well as, any plans they have to further implement the educational materials and training with farmer beneficiaries, or to implement on-farm solar PV. A proprietary polling tool was implemented within the Zoom webinar software. Knowledge levels were self-assessed by each participant based on a standard question format, "How much did/do you know about solar before/after participating in this webinar?" Single choice options were provided based on a 5-point Likert-scale (1=Novice: know nothing; 2=Low: knew very little; 3=Middle: knew somewhat ;4= High: knew a lot; 5=Expert: knew almost everything). Knowledge gains were reported by 74 (64%) of the participants responding to the post-/pre- evaluation (5-point Likert scale) with a 44% increase in mean knowledge levels. Survey responses also indicated that participants plan to seek additional information on solar PV (33%), contact a solar installer (20%); help or educate others (20%); purchase or install solar (7%); apply for funding (6%); or take some other action (14%) within 6 to 12 months of participating in the educational workshop.

Additional consultations conducted by phone, email, in-person, or through social media channels has indicated an additional 14,854 kW of installed solar, with another 39,400 kW of solar expected to be installed in the near future. Additional information will be obtained through ongoing consultations.

Performance Target Outcomes

Performance Target Outcomes - Service Providers

Target #1

Target: number of service providers who will take action to educate/advise farmers:
40
Target: actions the service providers will take:

Forty (40) Extension educators and other agricultural service providers who gain skills and knowledge in the application of on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV) will provide 8 regional educational and training programs (50% implementation rate) to 120 farmer beneficiaries with the support of the University of Maryland Extension network.

Target: number of farmers the service providers will educate/advise:
120
Verified: number of service providers who reported taking actions to educate/advice farmers:
30
Verified: number of farmers the service providers reported educating/advising through their actions:
167
Activities for farmers conducted by service providers:
  • 29 Curricula, factsheets and other educational tools
  • 27 Consultations
  • 3 Tours
  • 10 Workshops/field days

Performance Target Outcomes - Farmers

Target #1

Target: number of farmers who will make a change/adopt of practice:
40
Target: the change or adoption the farmers will make:
Forty (40) farmer beneficiaries will make changes (33% adoption rate) to their operation to implement a total of 500 kW of on-farm solar PV in Maryland.

Additional Project Outcomes

1 Grant applied for that built upon this project
3 New working collaborations
Success stories:
  • "Thanks so much. It was a very good presentation, and I intend to continue participating in all future sessions that I am available... The Wicomico Environmental Trust (I am on the board) is trying to learn as much as possible about the issues... I appreciate your detailed reply and excellent teaching style"
  • "My family owns a farm in northern Baltimore County. It was a diverse farm for my grandparents, but after their passing, we just lease some of the land to another farmer for crops, so it's not really an 'industrial' farm. I'm just wanting to... say thanks... I think your presentations are starting to melt a thick barrier for them (my mom has been taking notes on them throughout the series !)... Thanks for all the great info in the presentation" 
  • "Want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your video's... I need to get of the grid, and watching your video's is helping me to do just that. Thanks again."
  • "I really appreciated this presentation... Great panel; years of experience and expertise. Definitely added to my understanding of solar and its possibilities… Thank you again for arranging this informative session."
  • "By far the best breakdown on how to calculate power needs; how to play with battery voltage and solar panel sizing to accommodate said power needs... wish I could have seen this video last year. Thank you for producing... Great work!"
  • "Very strong organization of material... provid[ing] thorough and practical information at an appropriate level... Very good examples used"
  • "Great information and very well done. Looking forward to seeing the final two."
  • "A lot of good information; I need some time to sort through it and look forward to the next sessions."
  • "I’ve been enjoying the portions of your solar series I’ve been able to watch!"
  • "A lot of quality information in a relatively short amount of time."
  • "Easy to understand for those of us, just starting to learn about solar energy!"
  • "The instructor began the program on a very basic level. This first presentation was very rewarding. Looking forward to The remaining classes."
  • "I thought it was a good overview and introduction to the series of webinars on solar."
  • "I’m now awaiting more information on PV as these workshops progress through [the] planned information progression."
  • "[The] series on Solar has been extremely informative with graphics, explanations and responses to questions."
  • "Very informative. Look forward to future programs!"
  • "These are great videos and helped me better understand a solar system. Well Done!"
  • I found the presentation very interesting - on so many levels. I forwarded... all good stuff you, and the webinar... i found it very comprehensive"
  • "Your on-line programs are very informative!"
  • "You presented a wonderful overview of solar energy last evening."
  • "I enjoy your video presentations ...seen all of them ..thank you very much…"
  • "Your presentation was very informative. Looking forward to engaging with you as we design our system."
  • I appreciated the workshop… tonight's program helped me think through the process."
  • I continue to learn from your video presentations. My presentation on the last project (15kw) went well"
  • Thanks for the info and suggestions on how to proceed. We also appreciate... the presentation a few weeks back- great info."
  • I was happy to attend the workshop... much valuable info was obtained and I am sure this new farmer could benefit from such info."
  • "Your are excellent at explaining the individual critical components of the entire Solar System. Well Done. Please keep making more videos."
  • "One of the best videos that explains the difference between MPPT and PWM. This helped me a lot to understand. Thanks"
  • "This is one of the best YouTube explanations I have come across that I can understand... Thank You."
  • "Thanks for the video. Easy to follow. All complexities broken to simpler, digestible chunks."
  • "Excellent video. Clear explanation about solar wiring.series,parallel,series-parallel of different solar panels"
  • "Thank you for this video I’ve now watched a few videos ,I’m very impressed on how you deliver the general understanding of systems"
  • "This is so much information and I have learned a lot from this video.....THANK YOU"
  • "Thank you. This is the first video I've watched on the solar subject that whilst guiding us through the subject has not spoke at 100mph or assumed we already understand it all in full."
  • "Keep the cool videos coming."
  • Thanks a lot for the wonderful videos."
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  • "another great presentation"
  • Thank YOU for this information"
  • Thank you so much for clearing lot of stuff for me"
  • "Once again great video tutorial."
  • "Well explained and demonstrated."
  • "thank you for such a great video!!"
  • "Fantastic videos dude... Keep the awesome videos coming Thanks"
  • "Good instructional video!"
  • "Thanks for this information."
  • "Excellent. Content that isn't other available on YouTube! Congrats."
  • "Great video, Thanks!"
  • "Thanks for your comprehensive video. I found the info I was looking for"
  • "It is a really good video, amazing explanation"
  • "You had very good knowledge of circuits."
  • "Nice video mate. Boost your stats = Promosm !!"
  • "Thanks for the lecture… Thanks"
  • Great video!"

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Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.