Agrivoltaics Research Grant

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development Grant Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office, which operates within the Conservation Services Division. The program is designed to support innovation at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy by funding projects that integrate solar energy systems with agricultural production. This initiative reflects the state’s broader goals of strengthening agricultural resilience while advancing the transition to renewable energy systems. The fiscal year covered in these guidelines represents the final year of the program, signaling a concluding opportunity for eligible applicants to secure funding for agrivoltaics-related work. The purpose of the program is to fund research, demonstration, and outreach activities that advance agrivoltaic systems in Colorado. Agrivoltaics is defined as solar energy generation that is directly integrated with agricultural activities such as crop production, grazing, or other forms of land-based agricultural output. The program explicitly excludes conventional solar installations that are not integrated with active agricultural use. The funding is intended to support projects that either generate new knowledge, demonstrate practical applications, or disseminate findings to stakeholders in agriculture and energy sectors. Funding is available across three primary project categories: demonstration projects, research projects, and outreach initiatives. Demonstration projects may include planning, permitting, or construction phases and can receive up to 150000 dollars. Research and outreach projects each have a maximum funding limit of 75000 dollars. Eligible expenses include salaries, travel aligned with federal per diem standards, construction and material costs, research supplies, equipment leasing, marketing materials, permitting fees, contractor payments, and indirect costs capped at five percent of the award. All expenses must be directly tied to the project’s objectives and outcomes as outlined in the application. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, encompassing tribal, state, and local governments; higher education institutions; nonprofit organizations; for profit entities; energy providers such as utilities and cooperatives; and individual agricultural producers including farmers and ranchers. This inclusive structure is intended to encourage collaboration across sectors and ensure that both research institutions and practitioners can participate. Projects must clearly define their phase of development, expected deliverables, and how they will incorporate public demonstration or dissemination components where applicable. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal via email to the designated program contact by the stated deadline. Applications must not exceed ten pages excluding supporting materials and budget tables. The review process involves evaluation by a committee of industry experts and state staff using a defined rubric that assesses approach, timeline feasibility, producer involvement, projected impact, budget quality, and applicant experience. Final award decisions are made by the Colorado Agricultural Commission based on committee recommendations. The program timeline begins with the application period opening on April 13, 2026, followed by a webinar on April 20, 2026, and a submission deadline of June 15, 2026. Awards are expected to be contracted in July 2026, with project activities spanning approximately two years and concluding by June 30, 2028. Final reports are due by August 25, 2028. Grants are reimbursed rather than paid upfront, although limited advance payments of up to ten percent may be approved at the discretion of the department. Applicants must adhere to invoicing and reporting requirements, including quarterly progress reports detailing performance and expenditures. The evaluation rubric places the greatest emphasis on the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach, followed by budget justification and demonstrated benefits to agricultural producers. Additional criteria include the anticipated impact on the agrivoltaics sector in Colorado and the experience of the applicant team. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. Overall, the program seeks to fund projects that are technically sound, economically viable, and capable of generating meaningful insights or advancements in agrivoltaic practices.

Ensure strong feasibility and clear methodology; demonstrate producer involvement; align budget closely with project scope; emphasize measurable impact on agrivoltaics in Colorado