AgPV 101
Agrivoltaics combines solar energy production with agriculture, creating opportunities to grow crops, graze livestock, restore soil, and support native habitats—all while generating clean energy.
This transformative practice is more than a concept; it’s a growing movement. With nearly 600 sites across the U.S., researchers, farmers, and communities are proving the potential of dual land use to balance energy and agricultural needs.
Explore resources and content from leading organizations at the forefront of agrivoltaics. Learn how agrivoltaics is transforming farming and energy practices through the lens of top pioneers in the field, with an introduction to the fundamentals of AgPV 101.
Illustration by Tom Hickey and Al Hicks, NREL
National Renewable Energy Lab's Pioneering Research
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been at the forefront of this innovative practice since 2015, proving that solar arrays can coexist with productive farming, grazing, and pollinator habitats. Through its InSPIRE project led by Jordan Macknick, NREL has collected data on over 600 agrivoltaic sites and conducted research demonstrating how solar installations can enhance soil health, crop yields, and community resilience.
Explore NREL’s research, success stories, and tools to see how agrivoltaics is creating opportunities for farmers and local communities and learn more about:
- Growing crops and pollinator-friendly habitats alongside renewable energy production.
- Grazing beneath solar panels to regenerate land and support livestock.
- Building community through equitable access and workforce development.
The State of Agrivoltaic Deployment and Research in the U.S.
Watch NREL's Jordan Macknick provide an overview of the InSPIRE Project and present the "State of Agrivoltaic Deployment and Research in the U.S." at the 2024 Solar Farm Summit.
After his presentation, stay tuned for the Farmer's Forum, where Jordan moderates a constructive, candid and deeply insightful panel of farmers.
Find Jordan's presentation in Volume 2 of the SFS24 Conference Archives.
USDA & DOE Solar Energy and Farming Initiatives
In early 2024, the USDA and DOE held virtual listening sessions to address the impact of renewable energy development on farmers and rural communities. Their plan focuses on providing resources for farmers, expanding programs to support farmland conservation, and fostering the dual use of land for farming and solar energy production.
Key initiatives include:
- Aligning federal funding with local community support
- Promoting agricultural benefits at utility-scale projects
- Sharing public information on land and farmer revenue
- Expanding research on agrivoltaics
The USDA and DOE are also collaborating on educational resources for farmers and facilitating community input to ensure that renewable energy development aligns with rural needs.
Check out resources and a summary of the key themes expressed by stakeholders in the listening sessions.
AgriSolar Clearinghouse
The AgriSolar Clearinghouse is a collaborative initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). It serves as a hub of information, resources, and networking for integrating solar energy production with agricultural practices.
The Clearinghouse connects farmers, researchers, solar developers, and other stakeholders interested in combining solar energy generation with activities like crop cultivation, livestock grazing, and pollinator habitats. It provides case studies, best practices, policy insights, and access to a community of practitioners to advance agrivoltaic systems across the United States.
Best Practices in Agrisolar
The AgriSolar Clearinghouse brings together top experts to share best practices for co-locating solar with crops, grazing, pollinators, and more. This guide covers low-impact design, policy insights, and real-world case studies—essential for farmers, developers, and planners looking to maximize land use.
Harvesting the Sun
In the short film Harvesting the Sun, Stacie Peterson, former Program Director at the AgriSolar Clearinghouse, and other leading voices of the agrivoltaic movement come together to share their stories and shine a light on this once in a lifetime opportunity.
See Stacie's presentation in Volume 2 of the SFS23 Conference Archives.
American Farmland Trust
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to protecting agricultural lands, promoting environmentally responsible farming practices, and ensuring the viability of farms for future generations. Established in 1980, AFT has been at the forefront of efforts to balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation.
Smart Solar℠, developed by AFT, is a vision for solar projects that safeguard farmland, strengthen farm viability, and accelerate renewable energy development. By integrating solar projects with agricultural land, including innovative agrivoltaics, Smart Solar enables farmers to generate income from both crops and clean energy.
Learn more about American Farmland Trust's Smart Solar principles, ongoing projects, and policy recommendations to support the growth of solar energy while preserving agricultural land.
AFT's Smart Solar℠ Guiding Principles
AFT's National Smart Solar Director Ethan Winter addresses attendees at the 2024 Solar Farm Summit, discussing the weight of the agrivoltaic opportunity and how AFT's Smart Solar℠ principles provide a pathway forward.
- Prioritize solar siting on the built environment and land not well suited for farming.
- Safeguard the ability for land to be used for agriculture.
- Grow agrivoltaics for agricultural production and solar energy.
- Promote equity and farm viability.
Find Ethan's presentation in Volume 2 of the SFS24 Conference Archives.
Policy Recommendations to Increase Agrivoltaic Development
American Farmland Trust has released policy recommendations to expand agrivoltaic development while keeping land in production. The guide defines agrivoltaics, proposes financial incentives, and outlines best practices to support farmers and rural economies.
American Solar Grazing Association
The American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports the practice of using livestock, particularly sheep, to manage vegetation under and around solar arrays. This approach, known as solar grazing, combines renewable energy production with agricultural land use, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between solar developers and farmers.
Pastures and Panels: The Power of Solar Grazing
Solar grazing combines agriculture and solar energy production, helping to keep farmland viable in rural communities while supporting sustainable farming practices. It provides a solution for struggling farmers and enables solar companies to be responsible land stewards. ASGA is working to raise awareness of these benefits through a short documentary. The film highlights the value of solar grazing for farm families today and future generations, fostering stronger connections between agricultural communities and solar developers who support grazing animals on solar sites.
View the trailer and join the interest list for updates on the film and upcoming screenings!
