Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining solar panels with agricultural activities, is gaining momentum among farmers and clean energy advocates. With the potential to provide dual income streams and promote sustainable farming, the approach could help farmers retain their land for future generations. A recent discussion at the Solar Farm Summit in Illinois highlighted the importance of centering farmers’ needs to advance agrivoltaic technology.
In the past, various pilot projects have explored best practices for implementing agrivoltaics. While not all have met with success, the lessons learned are driving a more equitable and farmer-focused approach. Recent large-scale projects, such as the Madison Fields initiative in Ohio, are testing the compatibility of different crops and livestock with solar arrays. This underscores the importance of balancing agricultural production with energy generation. Additionally, collaborative efforts by institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are supporting farmers in integrating solar technology into their operations.
Benefits for Farmers
When properly implemented, agrivoltaics can generate revenue from both solar energy and agriculture, aiding in succession planning and farmer training. Companies like Okavate Sustainable Energy focus on designing solar systems that complement specific crop types, addressing inefficiencies in previous solar development efforts. Cetta Barnhart of Seed Time Harvest Farms emphasized the practical integration of solar with existing farming practices, whether for raising cattle or growing pollinator-friendly plants.
“This is more hands-on of what a farmer can really do in their current practices,” Barnhart said. “If they’re raising cattle, there’s a way that they implement solar with that.”
Ena Jones, president of Community Partners for Black Farmers, highlighted the role of solar energy in reducing operational costs, which is crucial for BIPOC farmers. She stressed the importance of understanding and leveraging solar opportunities to enhance farm production and financial stability.
Making Connections
Agrivoltaics can significantly reduce costs and expand revenue, optimizing farmland use. Large projects like Madison Fields in Ohio are testing how solar arrays can coexist with farming on a large scale. NREL’s work with the Black Farmers Collaborative on a Florida demonstration farm showcases the potential for agrivoltaics in diverse agricultural settings.
“I had already looked into doing solar on my property and was just looking at it to have solar as the backup,” Barnhart said. “But when we started talking as a team and then we found out about the agrivoltaics portion [and] how that can be incorporated into farming, it really brought forth a bigger and better opportunity.”
Mike DellaGala of Solar Collective emphasized the importance of a farmer-centered approach, which facilitates project completion and benefits all stakeholders. Ensuring equitable access to agrivoltaics for BIPOC farmers is particularly vital, as it addresses systemic inequalities and supports sustainable farming practices.
“I stand in the gap somewhat between having conversations with [BIPOC] farmers and having conversations with project developers because you need someone in the middle,” Barnhart said.
Braxton pointed out the need for policy changes to counteract the influence of utilities, which often hinder community-level solar projects. Jones added that farmer demand will likely drive these necessary policy shifts, benefiting the broader community.
Land Retention for BIPOC Farmers
Land loss has historically plagued BIPOC farmers, with discriminatory policies contributing significantly to this issue. Recent federal initiatives aim to address these inequities, with agrivoltaics offering a viable strategy for land retention. Barnhart highlighted how agrivoltaics can provide additional income streams or reduce expenses, helping farmers maintain and protect their land for future generations.
“What solar does is add an income stream or a reduction in your expenses so that there’s more you can do on your farm and create an opportunity for the next generation,” Barnhart said.
Agrivoltaics holds promise for sustainable farming and energy production, particularly for BIPOC farmers. By integrating solar technology with agriculture, farmers can enhance their financial stability, support land retention, and contribute to broader environmental goals. Policymakers and developers must prioritize farmer-centric approaches to ensure the successful and equitable adoption of agrivoltaics.
