
December 26, 2024
“Imagine a future where farms are powered by clean energy and crops are more resilient to climate change,” says Prof. Sue Hartley of the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences and Vice-President for Research and Innovation.
That future may soon be upon us, thanks to agrivoltaics.
“Agrivoltaics,” which is the practice of using the same land for farming and producing solar electricity, has been shown to lead to greater crop yields with less water, compared to crops grown in open fields. Certain crops, such as corn, Swiss chard and beans, thrived under the partial shade provided by solar panels. The shade helped to reduce water loss through evaporation, while the rainwater harvested from the panels supplemented irrigation needs.
As Hartley explains, “By shading crops with solar panels, we created a microclimate that helped certain crops produce more, but they were also better able to survive heat waves—and the shade helped conserve water, which is crucial in a region severely threatened by climate change.”
Beyond increased crop yields and water conservation, agrivoltaics can also provide a reliable source of clean energy for rural communities. Off-grid solar power systems can power homes, businesses, and agricultural equipment, improving the quality of life for many.
An added benefit of having vegetation grow underneath a solar panel is that it keeps the panel cooler, thereby allowing it to generate electricity more efficiently.