Agri-PV is becoming more important for farms in two ways. Solar power from fields and grassland gives farmers an extra, stable source of income. And in a growing number of regions, the shade and shelter provided by the modules make it possible to keep farming as the climate changes.
Sufficient light for plants
PV systems help balance the water cycle on the land and protect against erosion, sunburn, late spring frosts during longer growing seasons and the many other effects of more frequent extreme weather. In livestock farming, too, agri-PV has become a practical way to provide shade for animals.
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Plan carefully, build thoughtfully
The first results from long-term studies are now available, and they show that most crops cope well with shading from solar modules. If the solar installation is configured so that enough of the light needed for photosynthesis still reaches the plants, the land can even produce more in total, with good agricultural yields alongside the solar power.
But this only works if planning and construction get a few key points right. Alongside the right technology, careful construction is essential to avoid compacting the soil too much. Done well, solar installations on fields and grassland can work well and are easier to finance.
Our special report on photovoltaics in agriculture explains how to do this and what to watch out for, and it is available as a free download.
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