Powering Possibility: SUNY Morrisville students design microgrid for local retreat farm

When Taylor Zimmer, trustee of Solitude Farmz in Oxford, New York, wanted to explore new ways to power the property sustainably, he didn't turn to a consulting firm. He turned to SUNY Morrisville students.

As part of their Systems Integration capstone course, renewable energy students are working with Zimmer to propose solutions that can actually be implemented on the farm, a 125-acre retreat in the southern Finger Lakes, just outside of Oxford, New York.

The class is designing a working microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro technology to provide more sustainable energy for the property. The project could change how the farm operates and inspire others to follow.

"The microgrid project could offset our operating costs for electric power, bringing energy to a remote area in Chenango County as an enhancement to our retreat experience of relaxation, refreshing one's mind, body and spirit," Zimmer said.

With a focus on sustainability and organic farming practices, Solitude Farmz is a tranquil environment where visitors can connect with nature and experience rural living. In the summer, the retreat also serves as a Monarch butterfly waystation.

The property already has 48 ground-mounted solar panels that are reducing its carbon footprint. A stream running through the property offers the potential for micro-hydro power generation. That's where students come in. They'll be adding some new solar photovoltaics and new micro-hydro and assessing the potential integration of battery energy storage systems to make the microgrid more resilient and grid-dependent.

A microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro creates a hybrid renewable energy system that enhances reliability and lowers costs by taking advantage of the complementary nature of the two sources. Solar provides power when the sun is shining, while water flow generates continuous energy, often supplemented with battery storage to balance supply and demand. The result is a flexible system that works for both grid-connected and remote applications-exactly the kind of innovation Zimmer hopes to model at Solitude Farmz.

"I want to tie the two energy sources in a way that is new and innovative," Zimmer said. "If other farmers have a stream on their property, I want to show them the potential to offset electric bills."

The capstone class, taught by professors Shamsul Arefeen and Ben Ballard, has students working on different projects with a real client, each semester.

Zimmer sees his partnership as a chance to merge his vision for sustainability with the creativity and problem-solving skills of Morrisville students.

"I researched environmental sustainability and it led me to Morrisville," Zimmer said. "The value of this to me is within the experience of engaging forward-thinking minds of the students. Power of possibility meets reality at Solitude Farmz."

Zimmer is actively involved, attending class sessions to discuss the farm's needs and provide feedback.

Students visited the farm to take measurements and are actively participating in design and planning, sharing their unique perspectives and ideas for enhancing the property. The project combines technical expertise, creative problem-solving and real-world collaboration, requiring students to weigh energy demand, resource availability, costs and environmental impact.

"It's exciting to take what we learn and apply it to a project," said Gordie Means, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student from Fayetteville. "It takes everything we have learned and bundles it up and really tests our skills."

Ryan Fish, of Lansing, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student who works on an industrial solar farm, wants to work in large-scale project management for solar.

"Everything I have learned is problem-solving," Fish said, a necessary skill in the field.

Students will be working with Zimmer throughout the semester, refining their microgrid designs, presenting practical solutions and gaining experience that prepares them for careers in renewable energy and sustainability.

"We try to expose students to real-world experiences and cases in most of our classes," Arefeen said. "This capstone is the last real experience we give our students before they go out in the job market."

That real-world focus resonates with Zimmer. "Their approach is spot on. All of the ideas are fresh and validate what I am thinking as I learn more about sustainability. Partnering with SUNY Morrisville sounds like a win-win to me."