Rural photovoltaic panel production company

How do agrivoltaic systems work?

Agrivoltaics pairs solar with agriculture, creating energy and providing space for crops, grazing, and native habitats under and between panels. NREL studies economic and ecological tradeoffs of agrivoltaic systems.

What are agrivoltaic projects?

Agrivoltaic projects bring together farms and solar energy production. Photovoltaic panels can sit atop fields of forage grasses for livestock, such as these sheep. Have feedback on the audio version of this story? Let us know!

Is agrivoltaics more expensive than traditional solar development?

Agrivoltaics is not always more expensive than traditional solar development, but certain configurations can be more complex for planning and permitting. A successful agrivoltaics project requires two or more groups who often have very different priorities—the farmer or land manager and the solar developer—to find a solution that works for both.

Are solar panels good for agriculture?

Research in the drylands of Arizona found that farming under solar panels can decrease evaporation of water from the soil and potentially reduce irrigation requirements. Agrivoltaics can also improve crop yield and crop resistance in extreme weather, such as droughts.

What makes a good agrivoltaic project?

Compatibility and Flexibility — Agrivoltaics should be designed to accommodate the competing needs of solar owners, solar operators, and farmers or landowners to allow for efficient agricultural activities. Collaboration and Partnerships — For any project to succeed, communication and understanding between groups is crucial.

Can agrivoltaic systems increase crop production?

A USDA-funded project led by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researches agrivoltaic systems in a variety of land and climate types to increase crop production, produce renewable energy, and maximize farm profitability.