The Solar Frontier: A GreenHomeNYC x Solar Maverick Podcast collaboration
This forum will take a look at some of the lesser known, but critical parts of the solar energy industry that are helping open new markets, are at the forefront of innovation, and in the early stages of development and growth. After speaker presentations, we will have a special 30 minute Q&A panel moderated by Benoy Thanjan, Host of the Solar Maverick Podcast. Join the discussion around pushing the limits of technology and policy for Agrivoltaics, the co-location of solar energy and agriculture production
Doors open at 6:15 PM. Refreshments will be served. Stick around for networking afterwards!
Date: Wednesday, August 21st
Time: 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Location: Häfele America Co. Showroom, 20 West 22nd Street, #suite 201, New York, NY 10010
Speakers for this event include:
Dylan McAuliffe///// Vice President of Project Development, Pfister Energy
Jack Clayton ///// Utility Solar General Manager at SolarEdge
Jeremy Wyble ///// Senior Project Manager, Large-Scale Renewables at NYSERDA
Benoy Thanjan///// Founder and CEO, Reneu Energy & Host, Solar Maverick Podcast
When you think of New York City, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For people who have visited or live here, maybe it’s one of the following – crowded, dense, lights or skyscrapers – but not “green” and certainly not “farming”. However, that picture may change with the advent of urban vertical farming. So what exactly is vertical farming and how is it different from other concepts such as roof top farming, hydroponics or aquaponics?
Vertical farming is the practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers, inclined surfaces or integrated into other structures, using controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology where environmental factors such as light, humidity and temperature can be controlled. The concept of vertical farming in NYC was developed about 15 years ago by Dr. Dickson Despommier, a former public health professor at Columbia University, with contributions from his students. In The Vertical Essay, Dr. Despommier cites that the earth’s population will increase by about 3 billion people by 2050. Currently, over 80% of arable land throughout the world is already in use and another 15% is unusable due to poor land management. That means if traditional farming practices continue, there won’t be enough land to grow food for the expanding population. Vertical farming is a means of maximizing space by growing food inside the tall buildings of an urban environment. In fact, he refers to it as the third green revolution.
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