Studies & Stories

French agrivoltaics specialist Sun'Agri reported impressive results from its 2024 harvests at two pilot agrivoltaic sites in southern France. The studies demonstrated that integrating solar panels with vineyards significantly increased grape yields while optimizing growing conditions.

Results

• Yield Boost: 20% to 60% higher grape yields under solar panels.
  • Chardonnay: +60%
  • Marselan: +30%
  • Grenache blanc: +20%
• Irrigation Efficiency: Water needs reduced by 20% to 70%.
• Frost Protection: Temperature drops moderated by up to 2°C, reducing plant mortality by 25% to 50%.
• Wine Quality: Grapes produced 1.5% less alcohol, enhancing acidity in white wines and improving aroma profiles.

These findings highlight agrivoltaics’ potential to enhance both agricultural productivity and wine quality while improving climate resilience.

As part of the “Model Region: Agrivoltaics for Baden-Württemberg” research project, scientists have been studying the impact of agrivoltaics on apple orchards in Kressbronn, Germany. The findings show significant benefits for both apple production and solar energy generation.

Results

• Pesticide Reduction: 70% less pesticide use under agrivoltaic systems.
• Water Efficiency: Irrigation needs reduced by 50%, mitigating climate-related water stress.
• Energy Production: The AgPV system generated 20% more electricity than expected due to plant-driven cooling effects.

These results confirm that agrivoltaics can enhance apple farming resilience while simultaneously boosting solar power efficiency.

A five-year study by Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory examined two Minnesota solar sites restored with native plants. Researchers found that these habitat-friendly solar sites significantly boosted insect populations and pollination services, demonstrating the ecological benefits of pairing solar energy with habitat restoration. 

Results

• Insect abundance tripled in less than five years.
• Native bee populations increased 20-fold.
• Greater plant diversity and flower abundance were observed over time.
• Pollinators from solar sites enhanced soybean pollination in adjacent fields.

The study highlights how solar-pollinator habitats can support biodiversity, improve agricultural productivity, and mitigate land-use conflicts by placing solar on marginal farmland instead of prime agricultural land.

A study by the University of Vermont explored the potential for growing saffron within solar fields to maximize agricultural use of land occupied by ground-mounted solar arrays. Researchers tested saffron cultivation in three locations—between solar panel rows, under panels, and around the perimeter—using both raised beds and in-ground planting. Over two years, results showed that saffron can thrive in solar fields, with the highest yields in perimeter and aisle plots, especially in raised beds.

Results

• Higher Yields Outside Panel Coverage: Saffron grown in the perimeter and aisle plots produced significantly higher yields than under the solar panels.
• Raised Beds Outperformed In-Ground Planting: Raised beds led to better saffron yields and larger corm production compared to direct ground planting.
• Year 2 Yield Increase: Production tripled from Year 1 to Year 2, with some plots reaching over 17 lb/acre, exceeding traditional saffron-producing regions.
• Economic Potential: At $25/g retail, saffron grown in solar fields could generate up to $192,775/acre in revenue.
• Challenges Under Panels: Saffron grown directly under solar panels had lower yields, possibly due to microclimate effects and drought conditions.

These results highlight saffron’s viability as a high-value crop that can complement solar energy production while maintaining agricultural productivity.

A study on the 174 MW Wellington Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia, found that sheep grazing among solar panels does not negatively impact wool quality and may even improve certain parameters. Conducted by EMM Consulting and Elders Rural Services, the research compared wool from sheep grazing within solar arrays to those in traditional pastures. The results suggest that solar farms can successfully integrate livestock management, benefiting both renewable energy production and agriculture.

Results

• Wool Quality Improvement: Wool from sheep grazing under solar panels was found to be about 20% superior in growth, weight, and fiber diameter (microns) compared to traditionally grazed sheep.
• Increased Stocking Rates: Farmer Tony Inder reported higher stocking rates due to improved pasture conditions under the panels.
• Consistent Pasture Growth: The absence of a “gutter effect” from rainfall runoff allows for continual pasture growth, providing varied feed conditions throughout the year.
• Reduced Land Maintenance: Lightsource bp only needs to mow the solar farm twice a year, thanks to natural vegetation management by the sheep.
• Agriculture & Solar Co-Benefits: The study supports the idea that solar farms and agriculture can coexist, maximizing land use without compromising farm productivity.

The InSPIRE Research team has been studying the compatibility and benefits of solar development with agriculture and native landscapes since 2015. Currently, they oversee 22 active research sites across the U.S., collaborating with NREL, Argonne National Laboratory, and various research partners, including solar developers, nonprofits, and academic institutions.

Using standardized methods, the team collects data on energy production, crop responses, soil moisture, hydrology, microclimate, and insect populations, among other factors. All findings are open-source and centrally cataloged by NREL, providing valuable insights into agrivoltaic performance.

For more details, visit the InSPIRE Publications or explore the Data Portal for research and datasets.