Today on the Clean Power Hour, we sit down with Byron Kominek, founder of Jack Solar Garden and the Colorado Agrivoltaics Learning Center, to explore how his family transformed a struggling hay farm into a thriving agrivoltaics operation.
Byron shares the journey from losing money on traditional farming to building Colorado's innovative 1.2-megawatt community solar garden that generates revenue while keeping the land productive for agriculture and education.
Byron Kominek founded Jack Solar Garden in 2017 after his family farm faced financial challenges from traditional hay production. As founder of the Colorado Agrivoltaics Learning Center, a nonprofit organization, Byron works to advance dual-use solar practices that combine energy generation with agricultural activities. His project participates in Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards Community Program, serving nearly 70 subscribers while maintaining active farming operations on the same land.
Key Discussion Points:
How Jack Solar Garden evolved from a failing hay operation into a profitable agrivoltaics model combining solar generation, agriculture, and education
Details on Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards Community Program and Colorado's community solar garden legislation requiring 40% maximum per off-taker and minimum 10 subscribers
The triple income advantage for Midwest farmers who lease land to solar developers while maintaining agricultural use
Cattle voltaics predictions for 2027-2028, with 20-40 megawatt projects expected to integrate grazing animals into utility-scale solar arrays
Design considerations for building solar arrays that remain safe and accessible for farming and ranching operations
How dual-use solar enables land leasing revenue while allowing other farmers and ranchers to grow crops or graze animals on the same property
Connect with Byron Kominek:
Colorado Agrivoltaics Learning Center: https://www.coagrivoltaic.org/
Jack’s Solar Garden: https://www.jackssolargarden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-kominek-8527346/
The future of solar farming goes beyond panels. Byron proves agriculture and energy production work better together.
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