Agrivoltaics — the integration of agriculture and solar energy generation — is being hailed as a sustainable model that could transform the relationship between food production and renewable power. By using the same land to grow crops and generate solar energy, the system promises to boost land-use efficiency and farmer income while advancing clean energy targets.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines agrivoltaics as the co-location of crops, pastures, or vegetation with solar panels that generate renewable electricity either for on-site use or the power grid. In recent years, concerns over land-use competition have driven global research into this dual-use approach.
According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, global agrivoltaic (AV) capacity surged from just 5 megawatts in 2012 to over 14 gigawatts by 2021. The U.S. alone now hosts more than 2.8 gigawatts of AV installations, with most projects combining solar panels with livestock grazing or horticulture. Europe and Asia are also expanding rapidly — France expects up to 2 gigawatts of AV installations annually from 2026, while China’s Ningxia Province hosts a 1-gigawatt project integrating goji berry farming with solar energy.
Experts say agrivoltaics can help farmers diversify income and adapt to climate change. Solar panels can reduce soil evaporation, lowering irrigation needs and protecting crops in dry or extreme weather. Research at the University of Illinois, Colorado State University, and other institutions suggests that integrating solar systems with crops like soybeans, corn, and sorghum can increase land-use efficiency by 110–130%, depending on configuration.
Economic potential is also significant. Studies in Poland found annual agrivoltaic revenues could be up to 15 times higher than wheat-only farming, with profits from electricity sales offsetting agricultural losses. However, challenges remain — shading can reduce crop yields, and installing elevated or spaced panels raises capital costs.
Despite these hurdles, experts believe the model’s long-term benefits outweigh the costs. As Bruce Branham of the University of Illinois notes, “If we can get food and energy from the same land, we increase our efficiency by 50%. That’s critical when farmland is precious.”
With global energy demands rising and agricultural lands under pressure, agrivoltaics could play a key role in building a sustainable and resilient future.