Growing Grass and Alfalfa Hay Between Solar Arrays
February 23, 2026 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Registration Deadline: February 23, 2026 - 10:30AM
Zoom
Contact: M. Charles Gould
Two 2023 reports by Ohio State University Extension researchers found raising grass hay and alfalfa between rows of solar panels was feasible and that the harvest’s nutritive value was good. But that small-scale work at the Pigtail Farms site in Van Wert County used data from only a few test plots and controls. The Madison Fields agrivoltaics project was designed to test whether similar results can be achieved on a large scale. Now in its second year, the Madison Fields agrivoltaics project is yielding new insights into growing grass hay and alfalfa between solar arrays. This presentation will help Michigan farmers learn how grass hay and alfalfa can successfully be grown between solar arrays. Grass hay and alfalfa yield and nutrient content data will also be shared.
Eric Romich is an Ohio State University Extension Field Specialist for Energy Development. His background in renewable energy began during his former assignment as an OSU Extension Educator in Wyandot County. In this position he served as the Director of Wyandot County Office of Economic Development and was deeply involved in the details of finalizing the PSEG Wyandot Solar Project. The PSEG Wyandot Solar Project is a 12 MW 85 acre solar generation facility that is the largest solar facility in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest.
Romich focuses his Extension efforts in the areas of renewable energy development, energy policy, wind energy, solar energy, and bioenergy resources. He works with elected officials, community planners, community residents, OSU faculty and Extension Educators, and state and federal government agencies to deliver educational programs. In December 2016, Eric was named the recipient of the Raymond A. Schindler Excellence in Community Development Extension Award.
The 2026 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference will be held virtually, February 23 - March 5, 2026. The program encompasses many aspects of the agricultural industry and offers a full array of educational sessions for farmers and homeowners interested in food production and other agricultural endeavors. While there is no cost to participate, attendees must register to receive the necessary zoom links. Registrants can attend as many sessions as they would like and are also able to jump around between tracks. RUP and CCA credits may be offered for several of the sessions. More information can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/miagideas/.
Registration for this specific session is part of the larger overall MI Ag Ideas to Grow With program—by signing up for the overall program, you'll gain access to attend this session along with all other program offerings.
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