Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics (also called agrophotovoltaics, agrisolar, or dual-use solar) refers to the practice of using the same land for both solar energy and agriculture. There are a range of approaches. For example, solar panels can be installed between crops, elevated above crops, on greenhouses, or arranged to support pollinators. Because solar panels consume light, there can be trade-offs between crop yield, crop quality, and energy production. Some crops can benefit from the increased shade, obviating the trade-off, such as green leafy vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and ginger, whereas staple crops such as wheat, rice, soybeans or pulses require more sun. The combination can offer a range of synergies. Solar panels can help by lowering crop temperatures, providing shelter for livestock and helping plants retain moisture. For farmers, the ability to produce electricity can help diversify their income stream, and improve land use efficiency. Agrivoltaics has also been used at scale in arid and semi-arid regions to stabilize soils, reduce dust storm intensity, increase vegetation cover, provide forage for livestock, and curb desertification, notably in northern China.