Dookie: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation
The University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus is a leader in agricultural education and research. Home to a 40-year-old vineyard and livestock grazing, Dookie offers a unique environment for testing new ways to make farming more sustainable. Visitors may even spot sheep roaming safely under the vines!
Why Test Agrivoltaics on a Vineyard?
Professor Sabine Tausz-Posch and her team wanted to explore how solar panels might benefit viticulture. By comparing vines growing under panels, with those in full sun, the research aims to understand the effects on plant growth, grape quality, and overall vineyard health. The findings will help determine whether agrivoltaics could be a smart approach for winemakers facing a changing climate.
A Delicate Installation Process
Installing solar panels in a well-established vineyard required careful planning. Traditional installation methods weren't going to work, as the vines’ root systems needed to be preserved. Greenwood needed to find a way to secure the solar panels without disturbing the mature plants.
Earth Screws: A Smarter Approach
Instead of traditional piling, which could have disrupted the vineyard, Greenwood opted for earth screws. This method keeps soil disturbance to a minimum while providing a secure foundation for the panels. It was the ideal solution, protecting the delicate root systems whilst ensuring the vineyard continued to thrive.
Ongoing Research & Future Impact
Professor Tausz-Posch and her team will continue monitoring the Dookie system, collecting data on vine growth, energy production and agricultural benefits. Their research will contribute to a deeper understanding of agrivoltaics in Australia and could help shape future farming and energy practices.
We're proud to have played a role in this ground-breaking agrivoltaics system. Setting the bar for how renewable energy and agriculture can coexist, resulting in optimised food production and sustainability.
