Farmers are exploring agrivoltaics, a strategy that allows crops to grow or livestock to graze alongside solar panels, which can provide multiple benefits. This practice is gaining traction in about 10% of American solar farms, where sheep are often allowed to roam under the panels. The panels offer shade for the animals and protection for crops from harsh weather, while also creating cooler, damper conditions that can enhance crop yields. Additionally, cooler solar panels can produce more electricity per watt of sunlight.
Carl Bernacchi, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, noted that having plants beneath solar panels can improve efficiency compared to concrete surfaces. Agrivoltaics has the potential to significantly impact agriculture, especially as climate change increases heat stress on crops. In Europe, implementing agrivoltaics on just 1% of agricultural land could help exceed solar energy targets for 2030.
As of mid-2025, agrivoltaics accounts for 18.4 gigawatts of energy worldwide, representing less than 1% of total solar capacity. The concept originated in 1981, but the first pilot project was not initiated until 2004 in Japan. There are three main types of agrivoltaics: horizontal, vertical, and integrated systems. Research indicates that shade-tolerant crops, such as berries and tomatoes, can benefit from this approach.
Sheep grazing under solar panels has been identified as a beneficial practice, as they are easier to manage around solar infrastructure compared to larger livestock. This method also reduces the need for herbicides and provides natural fertilization through sheep manure. Kinzer, an advocate for agrivoltaics, highlighted the economic advantages for sheep farmers, who can now receive payment for grazing instead of paying for land leases.
Agrivoltaics represents a dual approach to climate mitigation and adaptation. It can help farmers generate additional income while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. However, the practice is not universally applicable; in some regions, shading from panels can reduce yields for certain crops.
The costs associated with mounting solar panels higher to accommodate crops can also be a barrier for farmers. Kinzer emphasized the importance of peer learning among farmers to facilitate the adoption of agrivoltaics. The land use for solar power has sparked controversy, with some farming associations opposing the conversion of farmland into solar farms. Agrivoltaics offers a potential solution to this conflict, as a survey indicated that over 80% of Americans would support solar development that allows for simultaneous agricultural production.
Bernacchi noted the cultural conflict between farmers and solar companies, stating that agrivoltaics provides a middle ground where both farming and energy production can coexist.