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2025 North American Agrivoltaics Awards Winners
2025 Honorees
Groundbreaker
Groundbreaker
Groundbreaker
Dr. Greg Barron-Gafford
Pioneer
Groundbreaker
Groundbreaker
Byron Kominek
People
Juli Burden
Solar Farmer of the Year
Agrivoltaic Systems Lead | Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center, O‘ahu
Juli Burden leads agrivoltaics research at Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center, testing more than 30 tropical crops under solar panels across multiple energy company partnerships. Her work helps shape policy and practice for sustainable land use and food production across the Hawaiian Islands.
JR Howard
Solar Rancher of the Year
Owner & Operator of Texas Solar Sheep
JR Howard and his family run Texas Solar Sheep, a leading utility-scale solar grazing operation that began with 300 ewes and now spans thousands. With a background in logistics and a heart for mentorship, JR supports aspiring graziersand promotes local economic impact, while leading national associations and growing the solar grazing field across Texas.
Jess & Marcus Gray
Solar Rancher of the Year
Ranchers & Owners of Gray’s LAMBscaping, Virginia
The Gray team is advancing solar grazing as a scalable, ecological solution across Virginia and beyond. With roots in conservation and agriculture, they combine hands-on land care with national leadership—Jess through her work with ASGA and Nuffield, and Marcus as a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Through education, outreach, and their Sheep Empire podcast, they’re shaping a more sustainable, community-connected future for solar and agriculture.
Allison Wickham
Solar Eco-Steward of the Year
Founder and Apiary Manager at Siller Pollinator Company, Virginia
Allison Wickham founded Siller Pollinator Company to design and manage pollinator habitats alongside solar farms. Known as “the bee lady,” she combines science and storytelling to promote ecosystem health, education, and sustainable solar honey production.
Projects
Rutgers University AgPV Program
Solar Farm of the Year
Three-site research network advancing dual-use policy and practice across New Jersey
Rutgers operates three research farms across New Jersey to study how solar can support crops and livestock without displacing them. From vegetables and hay to goats and cattle, the sites simulate real farm conditions and guide statewide policy. The program also supports the launch of New Jersey’s Dual-Use Solar Pilot Program, advancing agrivoltaics through science and outreach.
Spaces of Opportunity
Solar Farm of the Year
Community-powered solar farming in South Phoenix, Arizona
In a South Phoenix food desert, this 4.8 kW agrivoltaics project grows crops beneath solar panels at a 19-acre urban farm. With support from USDA researchers, the team has shown increased crop yields even during Arizona’s hottest months—feeding families and gathering data for peer-reviewed research. Powered by grassroots effort and community vision, it's a model for climate-smart agriculture in cities.
Burgundy Brook Farm
Solar Ranch of the Year
Cattle grazing agrivoltaics in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, BlueWave’s Palmer site is a rare example of solar infrastructure built specifically for cattle. With elevated panels and reinforced structures, the site supports grazing and hay production while powering the local hospital. This dual-use design proves solar can work for large livestock too.
Peacock Solar
Solar Ranch of the Year
Utility-Scale Grazing Solar Farm in Texas
Peacock Solar is Lightsource bp’s first site to fully integrate sheep-friendly infrastructure, with fencing, paddocks, and water access across 887 acres. Local residentsmanage the flock, and community members even named lamb mascots “Baaalberta” and “Wooloo.” The project powers nearby industry while celebrating solar grazing as a collaborative effort.
Mockingbird Solar
Solar Ecosystem of the Year
Prairie conservation meets solar development in a rare tallgrass ecosystem in Texas
Mockingbird Solar Center in Texas protects one of the state’s last native tallgrass prairies while generating 468 MW of clean energy. Ørsted and The Nature Conservancy are restoring habitat, guiding stewardship, and creating long-term economic benefits—including a new preserve and seed source. This project sets a global precedent for biodiversity-forward solar.
Plan
UW Madison-Kegonsa Research Campus
Dual-Use Plan of the Year
Pollinator research and sustainable land use in Wisconsin
BadgerVoltaics is a 2.25 MW agrivoltaics research site at UW–Madison’s KegonsaResearch Campus, developed with Alliant Energy to explore sustainable land sharing between solar and agriculture. With over 130 participants, the project studies pollinator health, soil quality, and land management, using tools like camera-equipped bee hotels. It serves as a hub for research, teaching, and shaping future land use across the Midwest.
Champion
Lexie Hain
Champion of the Year
Farmer & Director of Agrivoltaics and Land Management, Lightsourcebp | New York
Lexie Hain co-founded the American Solar Grazing Association and built the United States’ largest solar grazing program as a director at Lightsourcebp. Her work has redefined how solar can support agriculture, community, and ecology nationwide.
Make a Nomination for NAAA26
Celebrate the innovators shaping the future of solar + agriculture! Explore inspiring stories of people and projects actively implementing agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics. See current finalists and winners, then submit your nomination for NAAA26 to spotlight leadership, creativity, and real-world impact in this growing field.