An emerging production model, known as "agrivoltaics" that combines the use of land for food production and PV for electricity generation, is paving the way for multifaceted rural development.
What is agrivoltaic farming?
This article was updated on 28 October 2022. Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. Scientific studies show some crops thrive when grown in this way. Doubling up on land use in this way could help feed the world's growing population while also providing sustainable energy.
Are agrivoltaics a sustainable land-use strategy?
Agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and photovoltaic (PV) energy production, has gained significant attention as a sustainable land-use strategy. This review investigates the progress of agrivoltaics from the perspective of its impacts on crops, soil ecology, and climate.
Can agrivoltaics improve land use?
As the energy transition accelerates and climate challenges intensify, agrivoltaics offers a promising solution for optimising land use by combining agriculture with solar power generation.
Additionally, several studies have suggested the use of agrivoltaic systems, which integrate PV panels and crop cultivation on the same land area, resulting in mutual benefits [56, 57]. Such systems can increase land-use efficiency, reduce water requirements, and enhance crop yields while generating electricity.
Should agriculture be integrated with PV energy?
The integration of agriculture and PV energy is currently a widespread global concern (Othman et al., 2015). This innovative approach to farming has been recognized as a significant strategy for addressing environmental pollution and reducing fossil energy consumption (Li et al., 2021).
What are agrivoltaic projects?
Agrivoltaic projects bring together farms and solar energy production. Photovoltaic panels can sit atop fields of forage grasses for livestock, such as these sheep. Have feedback on the audio version of this story? Let us know!