A Cow That Keeps Milking: Solar PV for California Dairies (2013)
Undergraduate: Ann Soltan
Faculty Advisor: Amy Cooke
Department: Environmental Studies
This thesis assesses the feasibility of installing large-scale solar photovoltaic arrays on the roofs of dairy barns in the Central Valley of California, followed by a preliminary assessment of the technical potential of solar photovoltaic power for the dairy industry broken down per farm. A conclusion was drawn that the installation of large-scale, industry-wide photovoltaic solar power is feasible and would ensure significant carbon dioxide emissions reductions by reducing conventional power demand and production from fossil fuel-fired power plants in the Valley. This paper aims to embed solar as an alternative, clean energy choice in the decision making process for environmental policy makers focusing on clean energy, air emissions and agriculture; dairy farmers and dairy industry representatives; and energy professionals. This paper suggests that the organization of a multi-jurisdictional, collaborative power program that is implemented on a local, cooperative scale will positively integrate the goals of policy makers and the dairy and solar industries in order to achieve significant environmental gains.