Conversations about utility-scale solar on agricultural lands typically start with the question: Should this land produce food or energy?

Rather than pitting agriculture and solar energy against each other, agrivoltaics combine them, providing opportunities to grow crops, graze livestock, establish pollinator habitat, and generate energy. Agrivoltaics, also called dual-use solar, refers to a solar project designed and sited to accommodate agricultural production beneath, between, and/or around solar panels.

As communities strive to strengthen local economies, preserve prime farmland and rural character, and meet growing energy demands, agrivoltaics is an emerging practical solution. Continue reading »