What is agrivoltaics & how does it work?

Agrivoltaics is an innovative approach that combines solar energy generation with agricultural land use. By installing solar panels above crops or alongside farming operations, this system allows for the dual use of land, enabling both food production and energy generation. A real game-changer for farmers, solar developers, and EPCs alike.

Does solar energy conflict with agriculture land use?

Solar energy and agriculture compete for the same land attributes, such as plentiful sun and flat land. While solar energy only requires a small fraction (less than 0.3%) of US land area, it is likely to conflict with agriculture land use due to this competition.

Can solar and agriculture co-locate?

It’s possible to co-locate solar and agriculture on the same land, which could provide benefits to both the solar and agricultural industries. Most large, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on land used only for solar energy production.

Can agrivoltaics improve land use?

As the energy transition accelerates and climate challenges intensify, agrivoltaics offers a promising solution for optimising land use by combining agriculture with solar power generation.

What is agrivoltaics research?

Agrivoltaics, the practice of solar agriculture co-location, is defined as agricultural production underneath or adjacent to solar panels, such as crops, livestock, and pollinators. Learn more about this research and other solar energy research in SETO, as well as current and former funding programs.

Can solar PV and agriculture be co-located?

A study published in Nature Sustainability found that solar PV and agriculture can be co-located, providing agricultural enterprises with diversified revenue sources and ecological benefits. This co-location can also reduce land use competition and siting restrictions.