Sharing farmland for crops livestock and solar energy
Agrivoltaics, also called agri-solar or dual-use solar, blends renewable energy with traditional agriculture. Farmers install ground-mounted solar panels on crop or grazing land, raising them high or spacing them widely so animals can graze and tractors can pass. This approach allows agriculture and solar panels to share the same sunlight.
Sheep are the most common livestock in solar fields, with about 80,000 grazing under panels across 100,000 U.S. acres. Panels offer shade that reduces heat stress and water needs, while farmers save on mowing costs. With adjustments, cattle and other livestock can also graze.
Contrary to common belief, panels do not harm crop growth. Their shade lowers soil temperature, preserves moisture, and can improve yields for heat-sensitive plants such as strawberries, raspberries, soybeans, zucchini, and peppers.
Pollinator habitats also benefit. Beekeepers place hives beneath panels in a practice called solar beekeeping, letting bees pollinate plants and produce honey while the solar system generates electricity, which strengthens soil health and biodiversity.
Financially, agrivoltaics lets land keep its agricultural role while generating renewable energy. Farmers reduce power bills and can profit from net metering by selling excess energy back to the grid, creating a valuable second income stream and raising land value.
Experts like Indiana Rural Associate Abby Burnett emphasize that agrivoltaics ensures rural communities share in solar’s benefits. The research is clear: agriculture and solar energy can work together for a more sustainable and profitable future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus