As discussions surrounding renewable energy gain momentum at local, state, and federal levels, the agricultural sector is facing a pivotal moment. The intersection of agriculture and solar energy development is becoming a focal point, especially with the growing trend of large-scale solar installations on rural lands. This raises critical questions about land usability and agricultural productivity, prompting experts to explore innovative solutions like agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaics, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, refers to the simultaneous use of land for both solar energy production and agricultural activities. This dual-use approach offers a promising way to maintain agricultural output while harnessing the benefits of solar energy. Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, emphasized the urgency of this conversation, noting that while solar energy development is accelerating, it often leads to the conversion of agricultural land into solar farms, effectively removing it from production.
The potential of agrivoltaics to mitigate this issue is the subject of an upcoming free webinar titled “Can Agriculture and Solar Co-Exist? Exploring the Promise and Challenge of Agrivoltaics.” Scheduled for August 21, the webinar will feature insights from Peggy Kirk Hall of The Ohio State University and Jesse Richardson from West Virginia University. Their discussion will delve into the principles of agrivoltaics and its implications for agricultural production, highlighting the balance that can be achieved between energy needs and food production.
The urgency of integrating renewable energy solutions is underscored by the findings of the Department of Energy’s Solar Futures Study, released in September 2021. The study revealed that to decarbonize the U.S. electric grid, approximately 0.5 percent of contiguous U.S. surface area would be required for ground-based solar development. This presents a significant opportunity for farmers, as photovoltaic systems could be installed on existing farming or grazing lands, thereby allowing for continued agricultural use.
However, the transition to solar energy is not without its challenges. Hall pointed out that while there are numerous initiatives aimed at boosting renewable energy, these often come with concerns from producers and local communities. Issues such as the cost of installation, potential impacts on agricultural production, and the loss of prime farmland are at the forefront of these discussions. The installation of extensive solar panels could restrict the land’s ability to serve multiple agricultural purposes, but Hall stresses that it doesn’t have to be an either-or situation.
The implications of agrivoltaics extend beyond mere land use; they represent a shift in how we think about energy production and food security. By exploring the cooperative potential of agriculture and solar energy, stakeholders can work towards solutions that benefit both sectors. The upcoming webinar aims to equip farmers, policymakers, and community members with the knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively.
As renewable energy continues to be a pressing topic, the conversations around agrivoltaics will likely become more frequent and urgent. With the right frameworks and support, it may be possible to create a future where solar energy and agricultural production not only coexist but thrive together, ensuring a sustainable path forward for both energy and food systems.