Harvesting the Sun and Soil: Unleashing the Synergy between Pasture Fields and Solar Panels

Clean Energy and Sustainable Farming

Have you ever wondered how we can simultaneously produce clean energy and promote sustainable farming practices? Well, unless you’re an environmental scientist or work in agriculture your answer might be a “no” – right? And that would be normal. Yet, in a world with a growing need for clean energy and substantially better agricultural practices, it would be impactful to find a solution that tackles both issues. Since of course, these issues affect everyone on the planet. So, get ready to open your eyes to a futuristic and innovative approach that’s bringing together solar power and agriculture in an extraordinary way: Agrivoltaics – a potentially key player in building a greener tomorrow.

So, let’s embark on a journey into the world of agrivoltaics: where solar panels and grazing fields join forces to unlock incredible benefits for energy production, livestock, and land productivity by exploring the findings of a study conducted in Corvallis, Oregon, by Andrew et al. (2021) revealing the potential of grazing under solar panels on lamb growth, pasture production, and overall land sustainability.

Renewable energy and land classification

Alright, first, let’s shed some light on the relationship between renewable energy and land classification. When it comes to solar installations, not all lands are considered equal. In fact, different types of land are ranked based on their potential for solar power generation and croplands and grasslands have emerged as ideal candidates for hosting solar panels. 

Why, you ask? Well, these lands provide the perfect combination of ample sunlight exposure and available space, making them prime real estate for harvesting the sun’s energy. But here’s where things get interesting – as we strive to expand our solar energy capacity, we encounter the challenge of balancing this clean energy production with the ongoing needs of agriculture. 

After all, with growing global energy and agricultural demands, both solar installations and farming require vast areas of land. It’s a delicate dance to ensure we maximize renewable energy generation while safeguarding our ability to grow crops and raise livestock. Finding the right balance between solar energy production and agricultural land use is key to creating a sustainable future that benefits both sectors. So, let’s explore how agrivoltaics, the integration of solar panels and farming, is offering a compelling solution that brings harmony to these seemingly conflicting interests.

Impact on forage production and lamb growth

To better understand, let’s delve into the findings of the Corvallis, Oregon, agrivoltaics study by Andrew et al. in 2021 which compared lamb growth and pasture production under solar panels and in open pastures. 

When it comes to forage production, grazing areas under solar panels outshined the open pastures. In fact, they found that these areas experienced higher forage production compared to their open counterparts. But that’s not all! The study also revealed a remarkable increase in water use efficiency in the grazing areas under the solar panels, reaching an impressive 330% boost in the Pacific Northwest (USA). This means that the plants in those areas were able to utilize water more efficiently, leading to enhanced growth and productivity.

So, not only do these solar installations generate clean energy, but they also promote a win-win situation by enabling higher forage production and optimizing water usage in the grazing fields.

Benefits and considerations of agrivoltaics

Considering the practical side of agrivoltaics, Andrew et al. (2021) revealed some fascinating insights. It showed that when it comes to lamb production, grazing in the areas under solar panels and in open pastures yielded comparable liveweight gains. This means that our fluffy friends can thrive and grow just as well in the presence of solar installations as they would in traditional open pastures. Additionally, the water consumption of the lambs in both solar pastures and open pastures was similar, indicating that their hydration needs were effectively met regardless of the grazing area.

Interestingly, agrivoltaics holds great potential for increased land productivity and improved animal welfare. The shaded areas agrivoltaics provide comfortable grazing environments that shield animals from extreme weather conditions, ensuring their well-being and minimizing heat stress. At the same time, integrating solar panels into farming practices maximizes the utility of our land resources across energy, environmental, and agricultural sectors. This not only enhances our ability to produce renewable energy but also contributes to healthy pastures, better livestock management, and overall improved animal well-being.

While these findings are certainly promising, there is still much more to explore in the realm of agrivoltaics. Further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and to fine-tune the implementation of these systems. Additionally, it is crucial to share information about agrivoltaics with farmers, energy producers, researchers, and the general public. By disseminating knowledge and fostering collaboration, we can collectively work towards integrating this sustainable agricultural system into our practices more widely.

Now what? 

Agrivoltaics presents a promising solution to address land use challenges and meet our energy needs while maximizing land productivity, improving animal welfare, and reducing our carbon footprint. Continued research and innovation are crucial to fully leverage the benefits of agrivoltaics. We need further studies to understand long-term effects, optimize pasture establishment techniques, and enhance the synergy between solar energy production and livestock management.

Looking ahead, it is essential to support new innovations and scientific advancements in clean energy. By fostering collaboration among farmers, energy producers, researchers, and the wider public, we can accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaics and other sustainable practices. Let’s all advocate for policies that incentivize the integration of renewable energy in agriculture, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future. 

Together, we can drive the transition towards a clean energy future where sustainable farming and renewable technologies coexist harmoniously. By embracing agrivoltaics and backing ongoing research and innovation, we hold the power to shape a sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come. 

Find this stuff cool??? Check out these interesting studies for more information!

1. Pasture production and lamb growth in agrivoltaic system 2. Solar PV Power Potential is Greatest Over Croplands. 3. The agricultural, economic and environmental potential of co-locating utility scale solar with grazing sheep.