Farmers install photovoltaic solar panels

Should farmers build solar panels on agricultural land?

But thanks to years of research, farmers and developers have learned to coordinate their efforts to benefit both parties. It may involve building solar panel arrays about 8 feet off the ground to allow space for crop growth and farm equipment. As of the end of 2022, less than 2% of solar energy projects are on agricultural land.

Can agriculture and solar farms work together?

But there is a way for agriculture and solar farms to exist in a mutually beneficial balance: agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics, or agrophotovoltaics or agrisolar, involves using the same plot of land for agriculture and solar energy production. With agrivoltaics, farmers don’t have to give up traditional farm life to reap the benefits of solar panels.

Are solar panels a good fit for your farm?

Solar panels can increase your operation’s profitability. One government grant program for solar panels on farms is called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Why solar energy may be a good fit for your farmers and ranchers Tips and funding opportunities for solar projects on your farm

Is solar energy a good option for farmers?

Solar energy offers farmers the opportunity to harvest the sun twice—the same reason land is good for farming (flat, open areas), also makes it good for solar installations. The Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is researching the opportunities and trade-offs of agrivoltaics.

Should solar energy be located on farmland?

Locating solar energy on farmland could significantly increase the available land for solar development, while maintaining land in agricultural production and expanding economic opportunities for farmers, rural communities, and the solar industry.

How do solar panels benefit farmers and developers?

It may involve creating space beneath or between rows of solar panels for crop production, pollinator habitats, or livestock grazing. Setting up solar panel arrays in the past meant sacrificing acres of good farmland. But thanks to years of research, farmers and developers have learned to coordinate their efforts to benefit both parties.