Solar Agriculture

What is Solar Agriculture complementation?

Most large-scale terrestrial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on land that is used only for solar energy production. In fact, it is possible to arrange solar facilities and agricultural production on the same land, which can be beneficial to both the solar and agricultural industries. This co-location model, also known as agro-light complementary or dual-use solar, refers to agricultural activities under or next to solar panels, such as growing crops, raising livestock or creating habitats for pollinators. Relatively few projects integrate crop production. Exploring alternative solar system designs and agricultural practices that optimize co-located energy and agricultural production may provide opportunities to increase the overall value of solar energy and reduce its soft (non-hardware) costs. Learn more about how soft costs work.

Why is Solar Agriculture complementation important?

In a model of a decarbonized electricity system, the Solar Future Study estimates that solar could supply 1 terawatt of installed generating capacity to the grid by 2035, which would require the use of 5.7 million acres of land, and solar projects are likely to conflict with agricultural land. Because the characteristics of land suitable for solar development (sunny, flat terrain) are also attractive for agricultural production. The co-placement of solar PV with agriculture can provide agribusiness with diversified sources of income and ecological benefits, while reducing competition and siting restrictions on land use. Optimizing system design and business practices will help achieve simultaneous land use in both industries, which benefits farmers, reduces the soft cost of solar, and contributes to the global goal of carbon neutrality.