The Atlantic Canada Solar Summit Just Took Place in Halifax

The 2024 Atlantic Solar Summit (ACSS) took place this past week in Halifax to examine where solar is heading from here.

Hosting panels that focused on a wide range of topics from Sable Island’s energy makeover to designing solar farms to even solar carports, the ACSS got into the nitty-gritty of the solar policies and programs that will play a role in Atlantic Canada’s energy transition.

One presentation from solar consultant Rochelle Owens has received media attention for spotlighting how solar panels could be used by farmers to protect crops from extreme weather like rain or hail, offer shade to livestock in the heat, and even minimize the impact of droughts.

Such a practice that joins solar energy with farming is referred to as Agrivoltaics. Already used in other countries, Owens argues it might be beneficially used in Nova Scotia to reduce fossil fuel reliance and add revenue for farmers.

Hopefully some ideas from the conference take root and we can look forward to a more climate-friendly future ahead.

Lead Photo: Biel Morro