Solar + Agriculture Improving Farm Health

Dual-use solar, also known as agrivoltaics, is a method that enables solar energy and agriculture to coexist on farmland. As part of agriculturally compatible strategies and applications that keep farmers viable and benefit farm communities, the use of solar is pivotal for water conservation and reliable energy transmission. But why is this important? 

The state of California suffers from severe drought conditions — as of January 1, 2023, 100% of the state was experiencing drought according to the US Drought Monitor. While the situation has improved with torrential rains and winter snowfall, California’s Department of Water Resources has determined that it will take more than one rainy season to improve groundwater levels across the state. California farms are reliant on irrigation efficiency — but reduced water availability and rising temperatures put pressure on crop water demands, severely impacting the agricultural sector.

Agrivoltaics, farming, and food systems experts addressed this problem at a recent AgPV (agriculture photovoltaics) webinar, hosted by Lightstar in partnership with Maryland Farm Bureau and American Farmland Trust (AFT). 

The webinar featured Lucy Bullock-Sieger, VP of Strategy, Lightstar Renewables; Colby Ferguson, Director – Government Relations, Maryland Farm Bureau; Ethan Winter, Northeast Solar Specialist and Amanda Katherine, Mid Atlantic Program Manager from American Farmland Trust along with farmers such as Nick Armentrout, who is a small farm owner in Maine and is an American Solar Grazing Association board member, and Byron Kominek of Jack’s Solar Garden.

Together, they discussed the potential for agrivoltaics and its benefits to states that sit at a nexus of farm viability, energy independence, and severe weather conditions. These states, including California, require more reliable sources for food security. 

With agrivoltaics, farming practices can take a regenerative approach. Shade from the solar panel arrays provide an opportunity to grow crops that can’t fully thrive in extreme sun. Cultivating near agrivoltaics projects also increases water conservation, offering a beneficial and sustainable solution to the ongoing challenge. Results from a 2019 study indicate that an agrivoltaic system retained soil moisture by 15% more when irrigating every alternate day than a control system — a win-win that can help US states, including California, push towards water, food and energy security.