Articles tagged with "agrivoltaics"
With Agrivoltaics, China Is Crushing Trump's Fossil Fuel Dreams
The article highlights China’s advancements in agrivoltaics—a system combining solar panels with agricultural activities—as a significant challenge to the fossil fuel ambitions championed by former US President Donald Trump. Chinese solar firm GCL is pioneering this approach by integrating farming with solar energy production on the same land, improving land use efficiency and sustainability. Unlike earlier solar installations that covered land with gravel or sand, agrivoltaics promotes soil health, water conservation, and crop growth under partial shade, making previously unproductive or marginal lands viable for farming and energy generation simultaneously. This approach also offers economic benefits, especially for farmers facing financial hardships, by providing additional income through solar leases. GCL has developed a suite of four key technologies to enhance agrivoltaic efficiency: bifacial solar panels that capture sunlight from both sides and can be installed vertically; tunable panels allowing adjustable light transmission to crops; elevated racks with tracking systems to optimize sunlight capture while accommodating farming activities; and advanced AI-driven system management that integrates weather data
energyrenewable-energysolar-poweragrivoltaicssustainable-farmingbifacial-solar-panelsland-use-efficiencySmall Agrivoltaic Project, Big Impact
The article "Small Agrivoltaic Project, Big Impact" highlights the challenges faced by US farmers today, including tariffs, inflation, labor shortages, and climate change, which have contributed to a rise in farm bankruptcies. In response, a new agrivoltaic initiative in Virginia aims to leverage solar energy as a sustainable "energy crop" to support farmers and local communities. Unlike traditional biofuel crops such as corn and soybeans—which require extensive land, machinery, and emit significant CO2—solar panels generate electricity continuously during daylight without the same environmental drawbacks. This approach offers a more efficient and less carbon-intensive alternative to fossil fuels and biofuels. Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining agriculture with solar energy production on the same land, has evolved since the early 2000s. Initially, solar installations were placed on low-maintenance land with minimal vegetation, but recent research shows that solar panel shading helps conserve soil moisture and supports shade-tolerant plants, enhancing farmland conservation.
energysolar-energyagrivoltaicssustainable-agriculturephotovoltaic-panelsfarmland-conservationrenewable-energyNew Agrivoltaic Solutions Keep Bubbling Up Across The US
The article highlights the growing momentum of agrivoltaics in the United States, showcasing its transition from experimental projects to a robust industry that supports both agriculture and renewable energy generation. Agrivoltaics, also known as solar farming or dual-use solar, integrates solar panels with farming activities, allowing farmers to generate electricity while continuing crop production. This approach not only provides additional revenue streams or energy cost savings for farmers but also supports ecosystem services such as pollinator habitats and soil restoration, contributing to land conservation and sustainable agriculture. The North American Agrivoltaics Awards (NAAA) program exemplifies this maturation by recognizing innovative projects that address regional challenges, climate change, and food insecurity. The 2025 NAAA program awarded two notable projects: Rutgers University’s agrivoltaic research farms in New Jersey and the Spaces of Opportunity community farm in South Phoenix, Arizona. Rutgers operates multiple research farms to study how solar installations can coexist with various crops and livestock, influencing statewide policy and supporting New Jersey’s Dual
energyrenewable-energysolar-energyagrivoltaicssolar-farmingclean-energysustainable-agricultureHabitat Conservation & The Fate Of The Northern White Rhino - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical intersection of habitat conservation and advanced reproductive science in efforts to save the northern white rhinoceros, a species on the brink of extinction. Despite slow progress, cutting-edge reproductive technologies, showcased in National Geographic’s documentary *The Last Rhinos: A New Hope*, offer a last-resort lifeline for the species after traditional habitat conservation and anti-poaching measures failed. The two remaining northern white rhino females, Fatu and Najin, live at Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, underscoring the severe impacts of habitat loss, poaching, and regional conflict on their survival. BioRescue Director Jan Stejskal emphasizes that while habitat conservation remains the priority, innovative scientific approaches are necessary when conventional efforts fall short. The article also draws lessons from the northern white rhino’s plight for broader habitat conservation, particularly in the United States, where such efforts have waned under current policies. It spotlights agrivoltaics—integrating solar
energyhabitat-conservationnorthern-white-rhinoagrivoltaicssolar-energyrenewable-energywildlife-preservationSolar electric sheep marry Australian farmers with clean energy
The article highlights the innovative practice of combining agriculture, specifically sheep grazing, with solar electricity generation—a concept known as agrivoltaics or “solar electric sheep.” This approach is exemplified by the 149-megawatt Glenrowan West solar farm in Australia, operated by Gayle and Tom Lee, which integrates livestock grazing with renewable energy production on the same land. This dual land use, already established in Europe, Japan, and parts of the United States, offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that maintains vegetation under and around solar panels, improving soil health and reducing maintenance costs for solar companies. Australian pioneers like Ben Wynn of Wynergy are also exploring cattle-plus-solar models, though successful implementation requires careful solar farm design to accommodate animals. Researchers such as Eric Nordberg emphasize the mutual benefits for farmers and solar companies: farmers retain grazing land without selling it to energy firms, while companies gain free vegetation management. Despite limited local data in Australia, international examples show positive outcomes, including reduced
energysolar-poweragrivoltaicsrenewable-energysolar-grazingagriculturesustainable-farmingSun-tracking solar panels power Japan’s rice fields without crop loss
A University of Tokyo study demonstrates that dual-axis sun-tracking solar panels installed three meters above rice paddies in Nagano Prefecture can generate substantial renewable electricity without significantly reducing rice yields. By adjusting panel angles daily and seasonally, the system balances sunlight for crops during growth periods and maximizes power generation in the off-season. Over two growing seasons, rice output under the panels reached 75-85% of that in uncovered fields, with grain quality meeting Japan’s top standards. The array produced nearly 44,000 kWh annually, achieving efficiency comparable to European agrivoltaic projects and a levelized cost of electricity roughly equal to Japan’s residential rates without subsidies. Japan’s limited flat land and mountainous terrain create challenges for expanding solar energy without compromising farmland. Conventional solar farms require large areas, whereas agrivoltaics—stacking food production and power generation on the same land—offers a promising solution. The pilot project aligns with Japan’s goals to increase solar capacity and energy security, including
energysolar-energyagrivoltaicsrenewable-energyphotovoltaic-panelsJapan-energy-innovationsustainable-agricultureClearVue Update - CleanTechnica
ClearVue, an innovative Australian company specializing in solar glass technology, has made significant advances in transforming windows and buildings into solar energy generators. Their technology enables greenhouses to become energy-efficient and self-sufficient by generating up to 40% of the power needed for lighting, heating, cooling, and automation without blocking the sunlight essential for plant growth. Over four growing seasons, ClearVue’s solar glass has demonstrated remarkable results, including up to a 93% increase in crop yields for various plants such as beans, leafy greens, tomatoes, and snow peas. These findings have been validated through controlled experiments and multiple seasons, highlighting the technology’s potential to enhance food production sustainably. Building on this success, ClearVue has launched a $AU20 million, five-year research collaboration called the ARC Research Hub for Intelligent Energy Efficiency in Future Protected Cropping. Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and 16 partner organizations—including leading universities like RMIT, Australian National University, and industry experts—this initiative
energysolar-energysmart-greenhousesagrivoltaicssustainable-agricultureenergy-efficiencycrop-yield-improvementAgrivoltaics And The Underdogs Of The Natural World
The article discusses the emerging field of agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy production with agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Highlighted alongside Ryan Reynolds’ new National Geographic series "Underdogs," which showcases lesser-known species, agrivoltaics is presented as a promising solution to the global biodiversity crisis. Unlike traditional utility-scale solar farms that often clear land and reduce habitat quality, agrivoltaics integrates solar panels with crops, pollinator habitats, and other natural elements, thereby preserving productive farmland and supporting ecosystems. Farmers benefit from reliable income through leasing land for solar projects, while developers gain community support by emphasizing environmental benefits. The article also highlights innovative applications of agrivoltaics, including urban farming initiatives and anti-desertification projects. For example, large-scale solar arrays in China’s Kubuqi Desert aim to halt desert expansion by fostering micro-ecosystems beneath solar panels. Additionally, agrivoltaics supports diverse agricultural practices such as mobile farming and community gardens, enhancing food production in urban and
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energybiodiversitysustainable-agriculturerenewable-energyenvironmental-conservationWhat Can We Do To Save The Insects? Build Solar Arrays - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the alarming decline of insect populations, driven initially by habitat loss and pesticide use, and now increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Even protected forest areas are experiencing insect losses as warming and drying conditions disrupt ecosystems. This decline has cascading effects, notably on insect-eating birds, which have seen dramatic population drops in the US since the 1970s. The article emphasizes that climate change is a central threat to insects, altering natural rhythms and ecosystem interactions. A key positive insight presented is that solar arrays, often criticized for environmental impact, can actually serve as beneficial habitats for insects and other wildlife. The wide sunny spaces between solar panels support diverse species, attracting birds and mammals, and providing better habitats than surrounding agricultural monocultures, which are heavily treated with pesticides. Solar farms also have minimal human disturbance, further protecting these ecosystems. Additionally, solar energy offers a scalable, clean alternative to fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change—the root cause of insect declines. To further support insect recovery, the article advocates for habitat restoration, reducing pesticide use, and creating insect-friendly environments such as wildflower meadows and native plant gardens. Examples include efforts like Britain’s King Charles III’s restoration of cultivated lands to natural habitats. The piece calls for cultural and land-use shifts to sustain pollinators, emphasizing that protecting insects requires both large-scale solutions like solar agrivoltaics and everyday actions such as sustainable gardening and pesticide reduction.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyinsect-habitatclimate-changeagrivoltaicsbiodiversitySolar Arrays Can Aid Grasslands During Drought — New Research - CleanTechnica
New research conducted at Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado, reveals that solar panel arrays in semi-arid grasslands can reduce water stress and improve soil moisture, leading to increased plant growth—particularly during drought conditions. Over four years, researchers observed that partial shading from photovoltaic (PV) panels and water runoff from the panels helped grasses survive harsh summer months, with growth on the east side of panels increasing by up to 90% compared to open fields during dry years. Even in normal or wet years, grass productivity remained higher near the panels. This study is the first to field test how co-locating solar arrays with grasslands affects ecosystem dynamics, highlighting potential benefits for renewable energy development and ecosystem stability in drought-prone regions. The research, led by Colorado State University scientists including Matthew Sturchio and Knapp, emphasizes that although the solar array was designed primarily for energy generation, it inadvertently created a more favorable environment for grasses during dry periods. The findings suggest that modifying solar panel design—such as adjusting panel positioning to optimize shade and light exposure—could further enhance water use efficiency and plant growth. The study focuses on perennial C3 “cool season” grasses, with plans to extend research to C4 grasses common in Colorado’s plains, which thrive in warmer, sunnier conditions. This work contributes to understanding how agrivoltaics can support both renewable energy goals and grassland ecosystem health amid increasing drought and climate change challenges.
solar-energyrenewable-energyagrivoltaicsdrought-resiliencegrassland-ecosystemsphotovoltaic-panelsenvironmental-sustainabilityNew Agrivoltaic Showcases Sheep And Honeybees
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powersustainable-agriculturepollinatorsecosystemlivestockAgrivoltaics Benefit from Comparatively High Acceptance - CleanTechnica
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-agriculturerenewable-energypublic-acceptanceAgrivoltaics Makes The Leap From Rural To Urban Farming
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powerurban-farmingcommunity-solardecarbonizationsustainability