The Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Grant Program, managed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), stems from the 2023 legislative approval of SB 23-092, which allocated $500,000 to support research and demonstration projects in agrivoltaics. This legislative action seeks to explore the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of integrating solar energy systems directly with agricultural operations in Colorado. A Steering Committee composed of agricultural and energy experts was established to guide the grant program’s purpose and framework, ensuring alignment with state priorities in renewable energy and agricultural sustainability.

The grant program for fiscal year 2026 emphasizes two priority project categories: demonstration projects and outreach/research initiatives. Projects that fall within these categories receive a ten-point advantage during evaluation. Additionally, geographic priority is given to projects located in southeastern and southwestern Colorado, awarding an extra five points. Construction-based projects must provide a 1:1 funding match. The grant evaluation rubric has been slightly revised to reflect these and other nuanced criteria changes.

Eligible applicants for this grant include a wide range of entities such as tribal and local governments, educational and research institutions, energy providers including utilities and cooperatives, nonprofits, for-profit companies, and individuals such as farmers and ranchers. The scope of eligible projects includes planning, permitting, construction, and monitoring of agrivoltaic systems, as well as related research and outreach efforts. Expenses covered by the grant may include salaries, travel, materials, construction, leasing, outreach, permitting, and a capped allowance for indirect costs. All funded activities must directly support the project’s goals and deliverables.

The application process begins on April 1, 2025, with the final submission deadline set for May 30, 2025, at 5 PM MT. Applications must be emailed to Rosie Skovron and should not exceed 10 pages, excluding supporting materials. A webinar and office hours are scheduled in April and May to assist potential applicants. Grants will be awarded following final selection by the Colorado Agricultural Commission on July 16, 2025, and contracts will be issued by the end of that month. The grant term concludes on June 30, 2026, with final reports due by August 25, 2026.

The evaluation process is conducted by a committee within the Agrivoltaics Steering Committee, using a detailed rubric that considers factors such as project alignment with stated priorities, feasibility, timeline, impact, producer involvement, and budget integrity. Construction projects are particularly scrutinized for confirmed matching funds. Projects must complete quarterly reporting and submit a final report quantifying outcomes, particularly cost and benefit analyses comparing agrivoltaics with traditional photovoltaic installations.

Notably, past recipients include Colorado State University, AgriSolar Consulting, Cloudbreak Energy, Uneva Energy Group, and Talbott’s Farm, which collectively implemented a range of research, outreach, and demonstration projects across various regions and agricultural applications in Colorado.