Diversification on the farm - Agrivoltaics to survive economic uncertainly and extreme weather

Brianna Fiorillo

Senior Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest

Thumbs up for AgPV: Lightstar team visits Alliant Energy Solar Farm, Iowa State University.

Agrivoltaics: Farming's Sustainable Future

Farming has always been a balancing act. Farmers work tirelessly to maintain their livelihoods, adapting to unpredictable markets, fluctuating crop yields, and extreme weather conditions. But how can farmers remain resilient, survive economic uncertainty, and build a sustainable future for their land and community? One answer lies in agrivoltaics.

Agrivoltaics (AgPV), the integration of agriculture and solar energy production on the same land, is revolutionizing the way we think about farming. This innovative model allows farmers to diversify their income, make better use of their land, and take part in a movement toward environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or simply someone passionate about sustainability, agrivoltaics offers compelling opportunities.

What is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics is the dual use of land for farming and solar power generation. Picture this: fields filled with crops or grazing livestock, even horses, interspersed with rows of solar panels. These panels not only generate renewable energy but also provide partial shade, helping the land thrive in new ways. It’s a forward-thinking approach designed to maximize land use efficiency and create solutions for both economic and environmental challenges.

Why Agrivoltaics is the Future of Sustainable Farming

1. Diversify and Strengthen Your Income Streams

Economic stability on the farm often comes down to reducing reliance on a single income source. Agrivoltaics provides an additional revenue stream through electricity generation. Farmers can sell electricity back to the grid, enjoy lease payments from solar developers, or use the energy produced to lower their operating costs.

By not putting all their eggs (or crops) in one basket, farmers create resilience. When markets fluctuate or harvests are impacted by extreme weather, solar energy revenue provides a buffer. It’s a strategic way to weather challenges without compromising your farming enterprise.

2. Boost Farm Efficiency and Resilience

Agrivoltaics doesn’t just generate power; it creates conditions that can help crops flourish. The partial shade produced by solar panels reduces water evaporation, lowering irrigation needs and conserving our most precious resource.

What’s more, some crops thrive in this shared environment. For example, leafy greens and certain root vegetables have been shown to grow better in shaded conditions, making them less vulnerable to heat stress. The system is also a win for livestock, offering shelter from the sun and mitigating temperature extremes.

3. Maximize Land Utilization

For landowners and ranchers, making the most of every acre is essential. Agrivoltaics doubles the output of your property by allowing you to produce both food and energy simultaneously.

Imagine the value you can unlock when the same parcel of land contributes to feeding people and powering homes! With agrivoltaics, you’re increasing productivity while minimizing the need to expand into untouched land.

4. Support Rural Communities

Agrivoltaics doesn’t just benefit individual farmers; it strengthens rural economies as a whole. By choosing agrivoltaics, you’re creating jobs for solar system installation and maintenance. The revenue generated can circulate back into your local community, supporting businesses, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

More vibrant rural communities mean stronger networks and better opportunities for everyone. It’s not just about farming; it’s about building the future together.

5. Champion Environmental Sustainability

Agrivoltaics is a beacon of hope for sustainability advocates. By utilizing renewable solar energy, farmers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Farms can become independent energy producers, cutting reliance on fossil fuels while supporting the shift to green energy.

This approach also helps protect soil health and biodiversity. By reducing the need for resource-intensive farming methods and conserving water, you’re creating a farm that works in harmony with nature.

How to Get Started with Agrivoltaics

You might be wondering, “Where do I start?” Here’s how you can explore agrivoltaics for your farm or land, step by step:

• Evaluate Your Land: Determine whether your property is suitable for agrivoltaics. Consider factors like sun exposure, crop types, and topography.

• Partner with Experts: Work with solar developers or companies specializing in agrivoltaics, like Lightstar, to assess feasibility and create a plan tailored to your goals.

• Understand the Economics: Analyze potential costs, projected energy output, and expected income through electricity sales or subsidies.

• Research Crops & Livestock: Identify which crops or livestock will thrive under partial shade or alongside solar panels.

• Secure Support: Look for grants, incentives, or funding opportunities available for renewable energy projects in your area.

• Implement and Monitor: Once installed, track the performance of both your solar array and your agricultural operations to ensure sustainable success.

Building a Sustainable Tomorrow, Together

Agrivoltaics is more than just a practice; it’s a movement. It empowers farmers, ranchers, and landowners to achieve greater economic security while playing a critical role in climate action. Imagine a farm that not only feeds your family and community but also generates clean energy for the world.

At its core, agrivoltaics is about partnerships—with the environment, with local communities, and with the renewable energy future we all want to see. By taking this step, you’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Are you ready to diversify your farm and join the renewable energy revolution? Start exploring agrivoltaics today and discover how you can become a leader in sustainable farming.

Feeling inspired? Share your thoughts or ask questions - send me a message below. We have AgPV projects across the US -Together, we are creating opportunities for farmers to thrive.

The Solar & Farming Association (SAFA) is a coalition of organizations representing the interests of the agrivoltaics (AgPV) industry including developers, agricultural producers, livestock producers, and affiliated organizations focused on expanding and integrating solar and sustained agricultural production on the same parcel of land.

Would you like to know more about our Solar and Farming Association (SAFA)?

Click the link or send me a message and I’ll get you involved - there’s no time like the present, and we have no time to lose.

See Brianna’s press kit for speaking topics and credentials: https://www.lightstar.com/press-kits