Agrivoltaics: What Does That Mean?

Agrivoltaics is a new concept that spell check does not recognize the term. This innovative approach involves co-locating solar arrays and agricultural activities, where photovoltaic panels are placed above or amidst crops. It's potentially a win-win solution that maximizes land use and benefits renewable energy generation and farming.

Agrivoltaics, sometimes called AgriSolar or "dual-use" farming, is the practice of harnessing solar energy while cultivating crops or raising livestock beneath or between rows of photovoltaic panels. This combination helps address two pressing issues: clean energy production and sustainable agriculture. By integrating solar panels into agricultural landscapes, we can couple using limited land resources and reduce the environmental impact of energy and food production.

In the Northeastern part of the country, we have seen some applications. The two most popular methods are pollinators and grazing sheep under solar panels. In simplest terms, the pollinator method establishes a meadow around and under the solar panels. The plants chosen should be native to assist with pollination. Pollinators are considered an easy method as there is limited upkeep compared to other methods. Allowing sheep to graze beneath solar panels is also gaining traction. The sheep trim the grass, reducing the need for herbicides and mowing. This practice is both environmentally friendly and has the possibility of being economically viable, as the farmers can sell the wool and meat from the sheep. This integrated approach demonstrates how agrivoltaics can benefit both energy production and agriculture.

Agrivoltaics has taken on other forms to a lesser extent with the production of fruits and vegetables. One example is the co-location of apple orchards and solar arrays. Farmers have installed solar panels above their apple trees in states like Massachusetts and Vermont. The panels provide much-needed shade to the fruit during the hot summer months, reducing water usage and preventing sunburn on the apples. Blueberry farmers in Maine are exploring agrivoltaics to protect their delicate crops from extreme weather conditions. Placing solar panels above the blueberry bushes can provide shade during scorching summers and shelter from heavy rain and hail.

Agrivoltaics is an innovation that could offer numerous benefits for agriculture and clean energy production. By combining renewable energy and agriculture, agrivoltaics could help combat climate change. As we continue exploring innovative ways to address environmental challenges, agrivoltaics is an example of how creative thinking can lead to solutions. Whether protecting crops, conserving resources, or reducing our carbon footprint, agrivoltaics could be a step towards a more sustainable future.

To learn more about agrivoltaics, you can view the Penn State Extension webinar titled "Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar". The webinar introduces agrivoltaics and discusses pollinators and sheep grazing.