Mountain farming with solar power generation

Could agrivoltaics accelerate solar development on farms?

The emerging field of agrivoltaics builds on that dual-use capability to create a new paradigm that could help accelerate solar development on farms. The term “agrivoltaics” refers to solar panels that are raised higher off the ground, and far enough apart, to permit agricultural activity within the array.

Could agrivoltaic farming be a solution?

Agrivoltaic farming could be a solution to not just one but both of these problems. It uses the shaded space underneath solar panels to grow crops. This increases land-use efficiency, as it lets solar farms and agriculture share ground, rather than making them compete against one another.

Can you harvest more than just electricity on a solar farm?

In Colorado, we are learning how it’s possible to harvest more than just electricity on a solar farm. Just south of Longmont, Colorado, in the sun-drenched foothills of the Front Range, is a small but bustling family-owned farm.

What is agrivoltaic farming?

Here’s all you need to know about ‘agrivoltaic farming’ Agrivoltaic farming uses the shaded space underneath solar panels to grow crops. This article was updated on 28 October 2022. Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. Scientific studies show some crops thrive when grown in this way.

Can solar farms increase wildlife diversity?

Research has shown that solar farms can increase wildlife diversity by providing shade and shelter for native perennials. The idea of agrivoltaics has been around for decades, but its adoption is still in the early stages in the U.S., where there are only a handful of commercial solar-crop sites.

Can a solar farm test agriculture in a preexisting solar array?

In 2022, The Nature Conservancy in Colorado partnered with a solar farm and staff from Jack’s Solar Garden to test agriculture within a preexisting solar array. The team, including Duncan Gilchrist, the author of this essay, opted for a site that had badly degraded soil—a sort of worst-case scenario.