Agrivoltaics, a practice that combines solar energy production with agriculture, is gaining attention as a way to reduce carbon emissions while preserving farmland. The American Farmland Trust predicts that 83% of new solar development in the US will occur on farmland and ranchland by 2040, highlighting the need to build on rooftops, brownfields, and already-developed lands. Research from the University of Arizona and Oregon State University reveals that agrivoltaics offers mutual benefits, including improved crop yields and reduced emissions. The study suggests that wide-scale installation of agrivoltaics could lead to a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and minimize impacts on crop yields. The report recommends policy changes, such as creating clear definitions for agrivoltaic projects, incentive structures, and streamlined permitting processes. The American Farmland Trust also suggests reducing or forgiving farmland conversion fees, property taxes, and streamlining land use laws. With the potential to provide 1% of all farmland to produce the world’s energy needs, agrivoltaics is a promising solution for sustainable energy production and farmland preservation.
American Farmland Trust develops and advocates for policies that support the integration of solar energy with agricultural land use, also known as agrivoltaics.
