Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics—also known as dual-use solar, agrovoltaics, or solar-agriculture integration—is the practice of using the same land for both solar energy production and agriculture. Instead of choosing between crops or solar panels, agrivoltaic systems elevate or space solar modules so that farmers can continue growing crops, grazing livestock, or cultivating pollinator habitats beneath and around the panels.
As land availability becomes more constrained and renewable energy demand accelerates, agrivoltaics offers a sustainable solution that increases land productivity, supports rural economies, reduces land-use conflict, and enhances community acceptance of solar projects. It is rapidly emerging as a major strategy for utility-scale solar developers, EPCs, agricultural cooperatives, and policymakers.
Key Takeaways
- Agrivoltaics allows simultaneous food and energy production on the same land.
- Panel spacing, height, and design are adapted to the agricultural use case.
- Agrivoltaics can increase total land productivity (LER > 1).
- Benefits include improved crop resilience, reduced water use, and panel efficiency gains.
- Ideal for regions with land-use conflict or agricultural zoning restrictions.
What Is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics is a land-use model where solar installations are intentionally designed to allow agricultural activities to continue beneath or alongside PV arrays. Instead of traditional ground-mounted solar built at low height, agrivoltaic designs typically include:
- Raised panel heights
- Wider row spacing
- Single-axis tracking adapted for farming access
- Shading-tolerant crops or grazing livestock areas
The goal is to maximize total land value, generating renewable electricity while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Agrivoltaics is relevant wherever land competition exists, including areas with high land value, zoning restrictions, or strong agricultural interests.
How Agrivoltaics Works
The success of an agrivoltaic system depends on the balance between:
1. Solar Energy Production
Panels generate electricity and may be elevated to allow machinery or livestock movement. Tracking systems can be configured to minimize shading during critical crop periods.
2. Microclimate Management
PV panels modify the local environment by altering:
- shading
- soil moisture retention
- evapotranspiration
- wind protection
This can improve crop yields in hot climates or reduce water needs.
3. Agricultural Activity
Depending on the design, agrivoltaics supports:
- vegetable farming
- berry cultivation
- grazing (sheep, goats)
- pollinator-friendly meadows
- shade-tolerant forage crops
4. Energy + Agriculture Synergy
Crops benefit from moderated heat, and panels benefit from the cooling microclimate created by vegetation. Cooler panels = higher efficiency.
To compare with traditional PV design concepts, see:
Solar Layout Optimization
Mounting Structure
Solar Tracker
Types / Variants of Agrivoltaic Systems
1. Crop-Compatible Agrivoltaics
- Elevated panels (2–4 meters high)
- Wider row spacing
- Designed for crops like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, berries, or herbs
2. Grazing Agrivoltaics
- Panels mounted at livestock-safe heights
- Sheep grazing is the most common due to low height and temperament
- Reduces mowing O&M costs
3. Pollinator-Friendly Agrivoltaics
- Fields planted with native wildflowers
- Supports biodiversity, soil health, and panel cooling
4. Orchard and Vineyard Agrivoltaics
- Taller structures that allow tree crops underneath
- Provides shade protection in drought-prone regions
5. Water Agrivoltaics (Agri-Floating Solar)
- Combines aquaculture with floating solar
- Reduces water evaporation and increases fish/shrimp productivity
How Agrivoltaics Is Measured
1. Energy Yield (kWh/kWp)
Modeled using POA irradiance, shading analysis, and land coverage ratio.
See: POA Irradiance
2. Land Equivalent Ratio (LER)
LER > 1 means the land produces more combined value than separately.
3. Crop Yield
Measured in tons/acre or comparable agricultural metrics.
4. Microclimate Data
Temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and solar exposure.
5. O&M Efficiency
Reduced mowing costs, improved land sustainability, and simplified maintenance.
Typical Values / Ranges
Practical Guidance for Developers & Designers
1. Match the system design to agricultural goals.
Farm-first vs. energy-first layouts create different priorities.
2. Use accurate shading & terrain modeling.
Tools like SurgePV’s solar designing platform help simulate shading and spacing:
3. Choose appropriate crops.
Shade-tolerant and heat-sensitive crops respond best.
4. Involve local farmers early.
Community-supported projects gain far better acceptance.
5. Conduct microclimate modeling.
Cooling benefits can improve energy yield—important for financial models.
Use: Solar Generation Financial Tool
6. Prioritize O&M accessibility.
Ensure tractors, livestock, and field staff can easily move around the array.
7. Evaluate permitting requirements.
Some regions classify agrivoltaics differently from standard solar farms.
Real-World Examples
1. France – Vegetable Farming + Solar Tracking
Research sites show up to 30% improved crop yields and a 10% panel performance boost under agrivoltaic shading during heat waves.
2. USA – Sheep Grazing Under Solar Arrays
Thousands of acres in the U.S. use agrivoltaic grazing programs, reducing mowing costs and supporting local agriculture.
3. Japan – Orchards and High-Value Crops
Japan’s land scarcity has driven agrivoltaics adoption with elevated racks for fruit trees and tea plantations.
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