by Agrivoltaic systems, which involve co-locating solar photovoltaic power generation with agriculture on the same land area, are an increasingly attractive option for landowners and utility-scale solar developers in the United States. As available land for utility-scale solar projects becomes scarcer and more expensive, agrivoltaics provide a way to generate solar power without displacing agricultural production. The concept first emerged in Japan in the 1980s but is now gaining more interest around the world as the solar looks for innovative ways to optimize land use.
In the United States, some of the first agrivoltaic pilot projects were launched in the late 2010s. One of the largest early projects was a 1-megawatt agrivoltaic installation completed in 2019 at the Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. The solar arrays at this project are installed on pilings above pollinator habitats and grazing lands. Other noteworthy early United States Agrivoltaics pilots included a 0.5-megawatt project installed over grape vineyards in California’s Central Valley and a 25-kilowatt system installed over vegetable crops and sheep pasture at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center.
Benefits Of Co-Locating Solar And Agriculture
There are several compelling benefits that have piqued the interest of farmers, developers, and policymakers in agrivoltaic systems. First, agrivoltaics allow for dual land use, which can help address the shortage of available spaces for large-scale renewable energy generation. Farmers are able to continue agricultural production on the same plots being used for solar installations.
Another major upside is the potential for increased crop yields under solar panels compared to in full sunlight. Several studies have found that partial shading from solar panels can help reduce soil evaporation and modulate daily temperature fluctuations. This has led to higher production of heat-resistant crops such as grapes, berries, and lettuce. The shaded environment may also decrease irrigation needs for some crops.
For solar developers and utilities, co-locating with agriculture can open up more sites suitable for large projects. It also offers a way to increase community and political support for solar by preserving agricultural use of buffered lands. Additionally, agrivoltaic systems are eligible for federal tax credits and payments under farm subsidy programs, providing greater revenue potential.
Optimizing Agrivoltaic Designs In United States Agrivoltaics
While the benefits are attractive, maximizing agricultural productivity beneath solar panels remains an ongoing area of research and development. The specific crop, panel configuration, height above plants, and other variables need to be optimized based on the agroclimate. Early adopters have experimented with different module tilting angles, use of transparent panels, and adjustable shading systems to fine-tune the solar-farm interface.
One innovative approach is using bifacial solar panels, which can capture some diffuse light reflected from the ground surface. This enhances electricity generation while maintaining crop-friendly light levels. Researchers are also exploring new crop varieties and intercropping approaches suited to partial-shade conditions. For example, agrivoltaics may enable new diversified farming systems by interplanting niche crops together beneath panels.
More pilot initiatives are delivering valuable insights into optimal module spacing, orientation relative to crop rows, and panel wear-and-tear from agricultural machinery. Livestock grazing poses unique management considerations as well. AgraTEC, an agrivoltaic technology accelerator based in Davis, California, is helping coordinate multi-site demonstration projects and disseminate design best practices to farmers.
Poised For Growth As Technologies Mature
With the continual decline of technology costs and further performance refinements, the agrivoltaics sector is positioned for substantial expansion in the U.S. over the next decade. State policies like California’s solar mandates and net metering programs establish a strong driver. Meanwhile, new federal legislation could provide additional push through expanded tax incentives and regulatory parity for dual-use lands.
As agrivoltaic systems transition beyond pilot phases, larger commercial and utility-scale projects are already in development. Rising energy and food prices additionally improve the economics. Leading agrivoltaic companies alike Beam Power, Sol Voltage, and Solarmerica foresee multi-megawatt projects being installed across key agricultural regions of the country. International development firms also forecast the U.S. becoming one of the top five agrivoltaic s globally by 2030.
If designed and sited responsibly, agrivoltaics stand to unlock new opportunities for scaling clean energy production while preserving vital agricultural lands. With further demonstrations and data collection, these integrated solar farms aim to optimize land productivity for both power generation and sustainable food systems. With strong interest and support emerging, the United States Agrivoltaics appears well positioned for significant contributions in the renewable energy transition.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn
