According to the U. S. Energy Department (DOE), to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, we will need 10.4 million acres of land to increase solar energy to 45% of our country’s energy supply. Models created by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) showed that 83% of new solar projects will be built on farmland. Almost half of this will occur on vital farmland, known for being productive, versatile, and robust.
Conventional solar farms may pose a threat to agricultural lands. Agrivoltaics, the practice of utilizing the same land for solar energy production and agricultural activities, offers an effective solution for the coexistence of both industries. By combining agriculture and solar energy, agrivoltaics maximizes land efficiency and contributes positively to ecological health. Farmers, solar energy developers, and the environment all benefit from this situation.
This blog will explore the advantages of agrivoltaics, various types of agrivoltaic systems, some challenges and the future agrivoltaics system.
Agrivoltaics: Integrating solar energy production with agricultural practices
solar energy production with agricultural practices
The concept of agrivoltaics refers to the joint use of land for solar energy production and agricultural activities, including growing crops, tending to animals, and planting blooms that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This innovative approach to land utilization addresses the challenges that arise when individuals aim to use the same area for both agriculture and solar energy generation. It enables both parties to collaborate effectively.
Traditional solar energy practices view land with vegetation as an obstacle since it can obstruct sunlight from hitting the solar panels. Consequently, they need to either trim the grass on a regular basis or use chemical treatments to prevent its growth. Agrivoltaics elevates solar panels to allow for plant growth beneath them. This reduces maintenance expenses and enhances the efficiency of the solar panels in generating clean energy. Agrivoltaic systems are usually smaller than big solar farms. Most of them, about 70%, can produce less than 5 MW of power. However, their sizes can be very different, from less than 0.1 MW to as much as 660 MW. To see a complete look at agrivoltaic projects in the United States, check out this map by NREL’s InSPIRE Research, which shows more than 500 agrivoltaic locations.
What are some of the essential benefits of agrivoltaics that show how solar panels and plants work well together?
- More diverse plants and animals: Helps create homes for bees and other pollinators and gives excellent living spaces for plants and wildlife.
- Economic benefits for farmers: Energy leases help farmers make extra money, bringing in a steady income of thousands of dollars each year for every acre they have.
- Better solar power: High temperatures can lower how well solar panels work by 10-25%, especially when it gets hotter than 95°F. Agrivoltaics lets plants grow under solar panels, which helps keep the area cooler. This means the panels work better and produce more clean energy.
- Higher crop production: The shade from solar panels helps plants continue making their food during the hot parts of the day, which leads to better crop production.
- Less water use: The shade from solar panels keeps the soil cooler, lowers evaporation, and could cut watering needs by up to 50%.
- Crop protection: Agrivoltaic systems help keep crops safe from bad weather, like scorching temperatures, dry conditions, hail, and strong winds.
- Better soil health: Agrivoltaics make the soil healthier by keeping more water, preventing soil loss, and boosting food production.
What are various types of agrivoltaic systems?
In 2024, a variety of agrivoltaic systems feature grasses, typically native species, or plants that support pollinators flourishing beneath the solar panels. At over a quarter of agrivoltaic sites, sheep are usually used for grazing to assist with land maintenance, whereas under 5% engage in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
Here are the three main types of agrivoltaic systems:
Pollinator-friendly systemsÂ
These solar farms feature native grasses and plants that support the well-being of bees and butterflies. Most of these sites, 84%, are in the Midwest, and more than half, 52%, are in Minnesota.
Grazing systems
Farm animals, primarily sheep, eat grass under the solar panels. This allows farmers to earn additional income while reducing maintenance expenses for solar companies. Cows can graze on the grass beneath specialized solar panels, though this requires additional planning since the cows are large.
Crop production systems
Agrivoltaic systems utilize solar panels to cultivate unique crops such as blueberries, jalapeños, and cherry tomatoes beneath them. This variant of agrivoltaic systems is used infrequently and is mainly focused on research activities.
What challenges and considerations should be taken into account?
Although agrivoltaics presents several positive aspects, some problems warrant consideration.
The solar panel configuration and elevation should be modified to minimize crop shading while considering the movement of livestock and large equipment such as tractors. Solar panels should be installed at a height of no less than six feet from the ground, as opposed to the standard three feet. This entails excavating larger holes for the support poles and implementing sturdier braces to withstand powerful winds. The additional engineering requirements raise the initial expenses associated with agrivoltaic systems.
Additionally, ensuring an adequate water supply and coordinating the transportation of animals between solar panel-equipped farms require thorough planning.
Specific individuals in the community may oppose solar farms due to their belief that these installations detract from the area’s aesthetic appeal or disrupt the natural landscape. A study conducted in rural America revealed that 82% of respondents would be more inclined to back solar initiatives in their communities if those initiatives incorporated agricultural activities.
It’s essential to consider land use and policy matters as well. Solar developers frequently seek out prime agricultural land, leading to increased land prices that can create barriers for young farmers looking to purchase property. Modifications in policy can either benefit or hinder the implementation of agrivoltaics. In Colorado, financial incentives and grants may motivate farmers to adopt agrivoltaics systems. Conversely, regulations that classify solar projects as commercial enterprises may pose difficulties, as this could lead to farmers forfeiting valuable tax advantages associated with agriculture.
Despite these challenges, the opportunity to increase income and manage land sustainably makes agrivoltaics attractive to a variety of individuals.
What is the future of agrivoltaics?Â
Agrivoltaics has the potential to expand into new areas and include a variety of crop types. It can also be effectively combined with other sustainable energy sources and agricultural practices. Numerous emerging agrivoltaic firms are investigating innovative concepts in agrivoltaic design.
The latest solar design includes upright panels that can capture energy from both their front and back faces. This arrangement aims to minimize land use while facilitating the integration of solar energy generation with conventional agriculture. These vertical columns can harness additional energy by producing power during peak demand times, such as in the early morning and late evening. Although they come at a higher price, their energy output is superior, and they need less upkeep since there’s minimal build-up of dust and snow. This vertical design is highly beneficial when land is expensive, and space is limited.
Insolagrin is yet another instance of groundbreaking solar design in agriculture. It uses see-through solar panels that can control how much light gets through to help plants grow better. This system replaces traditional greenhouses and enables agriculture to be conducted in larger areas. An essential component of the solution involves a system that monitors and manages resources to enhance both agricultural output and energy generation.
Conveniently set up your agrivoltaic venture
Agrivoltaics help achieve net zero emissions by allowing solar panel installations while keeping important farmland safe. This system has many advantages, like helping different types of plants and animals thrive, making more money for farmers, improving solar energy use, and growing more food. Implementing supportive policies and fostering continuous innovation is crucial for maximizing the potential of agrivoltaics and creating a sustainable, low-carbon future.
For more details, book a free demonstration. Please click on this link: https://www.pepsolar.com/ to create your agrivoltaic project and enjoy the benefits of a real solar farm.