Major agricultural innovation could change how all food is grown

The rapid growth of photovoltaic (PV) energy production in recent decades reflects the urgent need for sustainable development and the advancements in solar technology.

By 2020, global PV power reached 760 GW, with China, Europe, and the United States leading the way. This expansion, however, has sparked debate over land use, as nearly all PV power plants are ground-mounted.

These installations often occupy agricultural lands, raising concerns about environmental damage, threats to biodiversity, and socioeconomic risks, such as reduced agricultural output and rural depopulation.

Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining solar energy generation with agriculture on the same land, has emerged as a potential solution. The concept dates back to 1982 when researchers designed PV systems allowing sunlight to reach crops underneath.

By 2011, studies revealed agrivoltaics could boost land productivity by 35% to 73%. Since then, numerous experiments have confirmed its benefits for energy production, food security, and rural economies.

This dual-use approach alleviates the competition between renewable energy and agriculture, addressing both food supply concerns and climate change. Research indicates that agrivoltaic systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support rural livelihoods, and enhance crop yields.

For instance, shade-tolerant crops, such as lettuce and wheat, thrive under these systems. Additionally, the shading reduces soil temperatures and water requirements, particularly in arid regions. By lowering panel temperatures through evapotranspiration, these systems also improve PV efficiency.

The flexibility of agrivoltaic designs allows them to suit diverse landscapes. Some systems are purpose-built, with panels elevated and spaced to maximize solar and agricultural efficiency. Others retrofit existing PV farms by introducing compatible crops.