Agrivoltaics helps farmers earn while supporting clean energy growth
Farmers in the United States are exploring new ways to use their land by combining agriculture with renewable energy. This method, known as agrivoltaics, allows farming and solar power production to work together.
In Illinois, farmer Bryant Parker uses his flock to graze at solar farms. His sheep feed on grass growing under solar panels at a 7.1-megawatt site that powers about 1,200 homes. The land, once used for corn and soybeans, is now used for both energy production and livestock grazing.
Parker started this work after noticing unused vegetation at solar sites. By reaching out to solar companies, he secured agreements that allow his sheep to graze there. This provides him with extra pasture while also earning income.
Solar companies benefit from this arrangement. Sheep help control grass growth, preventing shading of panels and reducing the need for mechanical mowing. This approach helps lower maintenance costs and improves efficiency.
Agrivoltaics is growing in popularity due to state incentives and rising farming challenges. Many farmers are facing lower crop prices and higher costs, making solar leases an attractive option. These agreements can offer higher returns than traditional crop production.
According to industry data, over 113,000 sheep are currently grazing on solar sites across the United States. Sheep are preferred because they do not damage equipment and are easy to manage.
Experts believe agrivoltaics can help preserve farmland and support renewable energy targets. Researchers are also studying ways to grow crops like vegetables and herbs alongside solar panels.
“We want good establishment of vegetation on site to avoid erosion concerns. But then we also don’t want the vegetation to get too high so that it’s shading the solar panels and we’re losing energy production,” said Angie Burke, director of land stewardship at the Denver-based Pivot Energy. “Sheep kind of meet in the middle and strike the right balance.”
However, challenges remain. Large-scale cropping under solar panels is still limited, and higher costs can restrict expansion. Even so, livestock grazing continues to be the most effective use of this system.
“This land is all competing for the same sunlight,” said Tim Mies, director of the University of Illinois Energy Farm in Urbana. “So, what’s the trade-off? How far do you have to space them apart? We have to understand that balance to properly make recommendations and let the community know how they can apply this.”
For many farmers, agrivoltaics offers a practical solution to diversify income. It allows them to remain in agriculture while adapting to changing economic and environmental conditions.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala