Solar Farm Summit
Dual-Use Design Challenge
A student design challenge to inspire the next generation of pioneers and innovators at the intersection of energy, agriculture, and environment.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsor
About the Challenge
The Dual-Use Design Challenge empowers students to capitalize on advances in solar technology to find solutions to real-world farm challenges. Dual-use solar array designs incorporate multiple elements to generate energy and produce agricultural goods and/or implement conservation practices.
Dual-use systems that either grow fruits, vegetables and grains and/or raise livestock underneath or alongside solar panels are known as agrivoltaics systems.
By contrast, dual-use systems that activate conservation strategies and produce ecosystem services, such as soil restoration and habitat creation, underneath or alongside solar panels are known as ecovoltaics systems.
Through combining problem-solving, creative thinking, farm knowledge and strong scientific principles, participants will design solutions that address pressing global issues like farmland preservation, energy production, and ecological performance.
With categories for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and post-secondary education, this challenge offers an inclusive platform for all students through young adult to showcase their learnings, talents, and solutions. Finalist and winning projects will be displayed and celebrated at the 2026 Solar Farming Student Fair Showcase, receiving prizes and national recognition.
Image courtesy of Gray's LAMBscaping
A Collaboration Between
Why Participate?
Design for Innovation
Break the mold with bold ideas for dual-use systems designed to cultivate humanity's brightest future by incorporating the latest advances in science, technology, engineering and math.
Design for Resilience
Harness your vision to harden a farm's resilience by designing dual-use solutions that harvest added benefits such as saving water, protecting crops and improving yields.
Design for Impact
Make the difference in the future of your farm, your community, or your region by designing agrivoltaic or ecovoltaic systems tailor-made to tackle real-world challenges.
Design for Economics
Build opportunities to create new agricultural values or solve agribusiness problems by designing dual-use solutions that enhance farm economics.
Design for Stewardship
Activate advanced resource conservation by designing dual-use system solutions that improve environmental health by incorporating ecosystem services such as native species habitat, nutrient cycling and natural resource protection.
How It Works
Follow these steps to bring your ideas to life:
- Show Your Interest (optional)
Complete our intent to participate form to stay informed about challenge updates, resources and deadlines. - Create Your Project
Start with the design challenge details and resources we provide, then use your creativity and problem-solving skills to design an agrivoltaics or ecovoltaics solution that meets your grade-level challenge. - Submit Your Entry
Compete by submitting your final project by April 30 for a chance to win prizes. - Get Recognized
Finalists will be celebrated at the 2026 Solar Farming Student Fair Showcase, where winners will be announced and all projects displayed digitally and in-person (optional).
Students documenting plant growth under solar panels in an elementary school in Arizona.
Resources & Inspiration
We’re here to help you succeed! Explore our curated collection of resources, tools, and activities to get your started—
Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics Basics
Understand the principles and science behind these innovative systems.
Real World Project Ideas and Examples
Find inspiration from real-world case studies and successful implementations.
Interactive Activities
Educational activities for participants to explore solar energy, agriculture and ecosystem services.
Expert Insights
Learn from leading professionals in energy, agriculture and environment.
Curiosity Kick-Starters to Inspire Discovery
Questions to spark learning and engagement, particularly for younger students.
Aligned with Academic Standards
Expectations for the K-12 divisions of the challenge can be aligned to national academic standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources Content Standards (AFNR). This alignment ensures that educators can easily integrate the challenge into classroom learning while supporting key educational objectives.
These resources will be regularly updated—register your interest to receive notifications when new materials are added!
Educators: Do you have relevant curriculum and/or lesson plans that you would like to contribute? Please reach out to us and we can add to our resources!