Introduction
Using a single plot of land for two uses is known as agrivoltaics. On agricultural land that farmers or communities also utilise for food production, grazing, or growing wild, energy producers install solar photovoltaic systems. These systems are referred to as dual-use solar, agri photovoltaics, agrivoltaics, or agrisolar. Solar panels can help plants grow by providing shade, and plants can help keep solar panels clean. This is a great way to use land more efficiently and protect the environment.
Combining Agriculture and Solar Energy
Solar farms can be a great way to produce clean energy, but some people worry that they take up too much land and can harm the soil. By growing crops under solar panels, we can get the best of both worlds: clean energy and healthy food. This can help people feel better about solar projects and support the development of sustainable energy.
How Do Solar Energy Systems Operate?
Solar projects are able to take use of this synergy in multiple ways.
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Solar Panels and Grazing
In agrivoltaic farms, animals like sheep, cattle, or rabbits graze around solar panels, keeping the area clear without the need for mowing. This helps farmers save water, as animals stay cool in the shade of the panels and drink less. Some farmers also use solar panels as natural fences.
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Solar-Powered Gardens
Greenhouse agrivoltaics use semi-transparent solar panels to give plants partial shade, protecting them from harsh weather like strong sunlight, hail, or rain. These solar-powered gardens create a microclimate that helps reduce evaporation, conserves water, and can even boost crop yields. Some refer to this as orchard or horticulture farming.
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Solar Panels for Pollinators
Solar panels can help bees and other pollinators if they are raised up a bit. This allows plants that pollinators like to grow underneath the panels.
Farmers can mount solar panels at any desired height—low enough to shelter sheep from the elements, or high enough to operate tractors beneath them. To produce the most electricity possible, solar arrays tilt and twist in response to the sun’s rays. Everyone benefits from this dual land usage, which increases agriculture productivity and produces sustainable energy.
Why Is Agrivoltaics Necessary?
Climate change affects everyone, causing extreme weather that can damage crops, erode soil, and kill livestock, which disrupts food production. As countries aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, solar energy will play a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, large solar farms require a lot of land, potentially impacting food production. To address this, a dual-use approach is needed, benefiting both farmers and energy producers, while minimising land competition between agriculture and clean energy.
What Benefits Do Agrivoltaics Offer?
Here are some key benefits of agrivoltaics:
- Saves water by reducing evaporation
- Maintains soil moisture
- Boosts crop productivity and yields
- Produces renewable energy
- Lowers reliance on fossil fuels
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Creates new income opportunities
- Protects agricultural land
- Supports biodiversity
Which Crops Are Ideal for Agrivoltaic Systems?
Many plants can grow well under solar panels. These include beets, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, spinach, lettuce, and berries. However, taller plants like sunflowers, corn, and apple trees may not do as well.
Conclusion
Switching to clean energy sources can help protect agriculture from the effects of climate change, preserve wildlife, and create new jobs for local people and businesses. Agrivoltaics is a new way to produce renewable energy that combines farming and solar power, which can help achieve these goals.
