Can crops grow better under solar panels? Here’s all you need to know about ‘agrivoltaic farming’
As global demands for renewable energy and food production continue to grow, a groundbreaking solution is emerging that doesn’t force us to choose between the two. Agrivoltaic farming, which involves growing crops beneath and between solar panels, is proving to be a practical, sustainable, and efficient way to maximize land use. By combining clean energy generation with active agriculture, agrivoltaics provides farmers, researchers, and policymakers with a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, while also strengthening food security.
Traditionally, land has been seen as either for farming or solar development, but not both. Large-scale solar farms often require hundreds of acres, leading to tension over whether valuable agricultural land should be given over to energy production. At the same time, the climate crisis is creating an even greater urgency to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy while also producing food that can withstand rising temperatures, drought, and unpredictable weather. Agrivoltaics directly challenges the idea that land must serve only one purpose. Instead, it brings a “both/and” approach to how we use land—an idea that’s gaining serious attention around the world.
At its core, agrivoltaic farming is simple: install solar panels high enough above the ground or strategically spaced so that crops can grow underneath. The results are proving to be beneficial for both the crops and the solar panels. In hot and dry areas, shade from the panels reduces heat stress on crops such as lettuce, kale, spinach, berries, and even grapevines. Some farmers have reported better yields for shade-tolerant crops, especially during heatwaves. The panels also help retain soil moisture by reducing water loss through evaporation, leading to water savings of 20 to 30 percent in some cases. Additionally, the panels can protect from hail, wind, and UV damage, helping farmers safeguard their harvest against extreme weather conditions.
Interestingly, it’s not just the crops that benefit. The plants themselves help cool the air under the panels through a process known as evaporative cooling, which can enhance solar panel efficiency. Solar panels are more effective at lower temperatures, so this natural cooling can actually increase energy output. It’s a win-win—better energy production and better crop conditions, all on the same piece of land.
For farmers, agrivoltaics also brings significant economic advantages. It opens the door to dual income streams—selling both crops and electricity. This type of diversification provides a financial cushion against poor harvests, volatile market prices, or climate-related impacts. On-site solar power can also help reduce energy bills by powering irrigation systems, storage facilities, and equipment. In places like Alberta, some farmers have even added grazing animals, such as sheep, to the mix, allowing them to manage weeds without mowing and make full use of the land beneath the panels.
As interest in agrivoltaics grows, so does the availability of government support. In Canada, programs such as the Agricultural Clean Technology Program offer funding for innovations that reduce emissions and increase efficiency on farms. Some provinces are piloting agrivoltaic projects that combine leafy greens, beekeeping, and pollinator-friendly planting around solar arrays. With the right policy support and community involvement, agrivoltaics could become a model for rural economic development and environmental stewardship.
Beyond the farm, the benefits of agrivoltaics extend to the broader environment. By combining energy and food production, these systems reduce the need to clear new land for solar farms, thereby lowering emissions associated with deforestation and land-use change. They also help preserve soil health by minimizing erosion and supporting microbial life. Biodiversity can be enhanced by planting native grasses and flowers beneath the panels, creating habitats for bees and other pollinators. Community solar projects based on agrivoltaic models can bring clean energy to rural areas while creating new job opportunities in both agriculture and the renewable energy sector.
Of course, challenges remain. The upfront cost of installing agrivoltaic systems can be high, and there are still gaps in zoning regulations and land use policies that make it harder for some farmers to adopt the technology. The design of each system also needs to be tailored to local climate, soil, and crop conditions. Research continues to help optimize these systems, and early projects in Canada and abroad are offering valuable data and lessons for wider adoption.
Still, the promise of agrivoltaics is undeniable. It represents a smarter, more balanced way to meet the world’s urgent needs for clean energy and resilient food systems. By investing in and supporting agrivoltaic farming, we can create a future where our farms do more than feed us—they help power our homes, preserve our environment, and build stronger, more sustainable communities.
