Agrivoltaics, a combination of agriculture and solar energy, is gaining popularity as a sustainable solution to energy production. The concept, pioneered by Ivey Business School professor Joshua Pearce, aims to unite farmers and solar developers, two groups that often have conflicting interests. By co-locating solar panels with crops, agrivoltaics can provide clean energy while also benefiting from cheap labor from grazing sheep and other animals. The industry is growing rapidly, with a global market value of $6.3 billion and a forecasted growth rate of 5.8% over the next eight years. Big energy companies, such as Shell, are investing in agrivoltaics, and some farmers are opting to co-locate solar panels with crops, like grapes and wheat, to enhance yields and quality. While some farmers are skeptical about the long-term effects on soil quality and the potential for hazardous waste cleanup, agrivoltaics has shown promising results in maintaining and enhancing soil health. With the looming threat of climate change and food-security issues, agrivoltaics is likely to continue playing a significant role in meeting global energy and agricultural needs.
Welcome to the fusion of agriculture and solar power, redefining the future of sustainable farming.
