Agrivoltaics - Merging Solar Energy and Agricultural Production

Executive Summary

As the U.S. continues efforts to transform its energy to renewable sources, solar power is growing in importance. The Department of Energy estimates that solar could provide 40% of U.S. electricity by 2035. However, accomplishing this goal could require as much as 5.7 million acres of land (and another 4.6 million acres by 2050), setting up a potential conflict with agricultural production. A new approach to solar development may provide a solution. Dubbed agrivoltaics or simply AV, the concept is to combine solar energy and food production. While colocation of energy and agriculture tends to result in lower production of both agricultural crops and solar energy than when land is dedicated solely to production of one or the other, combined production offers the potential for optimization of land use, reducing competition for land, and greater income and market diversity for landowners.

The concept of agrivoltaics (AV) is currently in an early development stage, mostly limited to small scale (5 megawatts or less) demonstration projects. The majority involve installation of solar panels on land used for livestock grazing or land dedicated to native grasses and/or pollinator habitat. However, research has shown possibilities for much wider application of agrivoltaics including in conjunction with vegetable production, other crops that don’t require irrigation or use of large machinery, and aquaculture. It also appears that agrivoltaics could help to alleviate some of the negative impacts of a warming climate by offering protection to crops and animals, conserving water, and improving solar panel performance.

This report examines the potential of agrivoltaics, research findings, early experiences, and challenges to widespread development. Throughout the report the terms solar panel and photovoltaic (PV) panel are used interchangeably.