Agrivoltaics: The Farm-to-Solar Trend That Can Help Accelerate the Renewable Energy Transition

The trend of agrivoltaics, in which farmland is used for both agriculture and solar energy production, is gaining momentum, particularly in rural areas of the United States, where farmers are leasing their land for utility-scale solar arrays. The trend aligns with regenerative farming, which has roots in Indigenous cultures and aims to restore and sustain the land. By combining farming and solar energy, agrivoltaics can overcome rural opposition and help develop solar energy.

Leasing land for utility-scale solar arrays provides farmers with a stable source of income, benefiting individual farmers and entire industries. By 2030, renewable energy capacity in the United States is expected to grow significantly, bringing substantial revenue to rural areas. The revenue from wind and solar projects could even exceed revenues from major agricultural commodities like corn, soy, and beef.

Rural energy projects, including solar, face opposition from various groups on the grounds of aesthetics, tree removal, or misinformation about climate change. Facebook groups opposing large solar projects have multiplied in recent years, apparently influenced by organizations promoting disinformation on solar energy and climate change. Conservative operatives have also been involved in stoking opposition to solar projects by spreading misinformation.

Farmland offers many advantages for solar development: abundant sunshine, flat terrain, and existing infrastructure. Solar arrays on farmland can coexist with agricultural activities, benefiting farmers and the environment. Agrivoltaics keeps solar panels higher off the ground, allowing for agricultural activities within the array. Agrivoltaic arrays create a cooler environment for solar panels, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and improve crop yields. They also support pollinator habitats and help crops adapt to a changing climate.

Agrivoltaics aligns with the regenerative agriculture movement, improving soil health, conserving water, and considering human and animal welfare. Large agribusinesses are recognizing the benefits of regenerative practices and carbon sequestration. The Sustainable Markets Initiative, involving major agribusinesses, aims to accelerate regenerative practices globally, which could benefit agrivoltaic development and the uptake of holistic farming practices.

The potential for carbon sequestration through regenerative agriculture and agrivoltaics is gaining attention. Solar developers are promoting farm-located solar arrays as a form of regenerative agriculture. Lightsource BP, for example, highlights the similarities between solar arrays and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program. The USDA and the Department of Energy are also supporting agrivoltaics research and development, funding projects to overcome barriers and teach best practices. This investment will drive progress, promote training, and facilitate the integration of solar energy and agriculture.

Despite opposition, the combined efforts of the solar industry, farmers, and global agricultural businesses can support the growth of agrivoltaics and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Read the full article “Agrivoltaics: The Farm-to-Solar Trend That Can Help Accelerate the Renewable Energy Transition” by Tina Casey

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.