There were over 1.88 million farms across the United States in 2024, producing the food and products consumers rely on daily. But what if the same land could also be used to power surrounding houses and businesses? Can you grow crops under solar panels without risking plant health or crop yield? There is one solution through the practice of agrivoltaics.
Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of using land for both agriculture and solar energy production. It works by placing solar panels high above crops. The panels provide shade, which reduces how much water the plants need and protects them from getting too hot. With the right design, this dual-purpose system allows farmers to harvest both food and clean energy from a single field.
Can You Grow Crops Under Solar Panels?
Any new technology or system will bring some concerns. Some farmers worry that solar panels might block too much sun for crops to grow, use up valuable land, or get in the way of irrigation. They also want to know that these changes will keep our food safe and protect agricultural jobs.
The good news is that agrivoltaics is designed to work with nature, not against it. The solar panels create a shaded microclimate that holds moisture in the soil and protects plants from extreme heat. In fact, research shows that many crops actually thrive under this partial shade. Farmers often find they spend less time watering, and heat-sensitive crops like lettuce, peppers, and leafy greens become more resilient. Those solar panels can be raised high enough for tractors and farmworkers to easily pass underneath for all the usual tasks like weeding, pruning, and harvesting.
So, can you really grow plants under solar panels? Absolutely, it just takes careful planning. By embracing agrivoltaics, farmers can achieve strong yields, significantly reduce water use, and earn a new income from the clean energy they produce.
How Do Solar Panels Help Crops Grow?
The process of actually growing the plants lies in a more innovative design creation. When used correctly, there are numerous benefits like:
- Shade Temperature Regulation: Solar panels help shade plants during peak sun, reducing heat and slowing moisture evaporation.
- Water Conservation: The cooler the soil temperature, the more it retains moisture, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Biodiversity Soil Health: Elevated solar arrays help create fantastic growing environments as well as creature habitats for native wildlife and perennials.
- Land Use Efficiency: Agrivoltaic farming doubles land productivity. Space is used for both food and energy production.
The trick is to use high-efficiency and durable equipment like Renogy's N-Type solar panels. The N-type cells offer higher output and low temperature loss. They have built-in heat resistance and work with both 12V and 24V systems, perfect for array versatility. That makes these panels an excellent first step for private to medium-sized land plots looking to expand into agrivoltaic solutions.
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How Do Solar Panels Work in Agrivoltaic Farming?
In agrivoltaic farming, solar panels work just as they normally do—by converting sunlight into clean electricity. The real innovation lies in how they are installed. Instead of being placed low to the ground, the panels are mounted several meters high and strategically spaced apart. This clever design allows just the right amount of dappled sunlight to reach the crops growing below while also letting rain through and providing ample space for farmers and machinery to tend to the plants.
This setup creates a powerful symbiotic relationship. The solar panels provide a protective shade that reduces heat stress on the plants and dramatically slows down water evaporation from the soil, leading to significant water savings. In return, the plants help the panels operate more efficiently. By releasing moisture, they cool the air around the panels, which boosts their electricity output. This partnership allows the land to produce both food and energy more effectively than if they were kept separate.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need on Farmland?
There is no simple answer to how many solar panels you'll need. Different farms have varying energy goals, acreage, and crop mixes. Here's the formula:
Land Used by Panels = (Total Farmland Area) x (Land Use Ratio)
The Land Use Ratio is the key variable. It is not fixed and is determined by the crop type and panel space. For instance, shade-friendly plants like lettuce or berries do well with more panels overhead, so you might cover 30% to 50% of the land. On the other hand, crops that need lots of sun, such as corn or wheat, require much more open space—often only 5% to 15% coverage. The height and spacing of the panels also matter. If they're placed higher and farther apart, less land is shaded, leaving more room for sun-loving crops to thrive.
Once you know the area you can dedicate to panels, you simply divide by the area of one panel.
Example:
Your dedicated area is 108,900 sq ft.
Each panel is about 5.5 ft x 3.5 ft = ~19 sq ft.
108,900 sq ft ÷ 19 sq ft/panel = ~5,730 panels
Final Thoughts
So, can you really grow crops under solar panels? The answer is a resounding yes. Agrivoltaics is far more than just placing panels on a farm, it's about forging a powerful synergy where solar energy and agriculture work in harmony to make each other better.
While it requires careful planning, the potential of agrivoltaics is undeniable. For a reliable partner in your solar journey, Renogy farm solution is an excellent choice. Their high-quality panels are designed to capture sunlight efficiently, helping you generate power even on cloudy or snowy days. Plus, they're known for their professional customer support, ensuring you get help if you ever need it. It's a trusted brand that delivers on its promise.
FAQs
How to cut grass under solar panels?
Keeping grass low helps eliminate unwanted pests and shade. Farmers can use low-growing cover crops or natural methods like grazing with goats and sheep. Otherwise, you’ll need to elevate panel arrays so smaller tractors and trimmers can pass safely underneath.
Can land be farmed after solar panels?
Yes, like most renewable energy initiatives, agrivoltaic design ensures continued cultivation, grazing, or pollinator habitat considerations.
Do solar panels attract bugs?
The panels won’t attract more bugs than usual. It's the vegetation underneath that will cultivate more biodiversity and pollinator presence.
How many solar panels can you put on an acre of land?
An acre of land can fit 2,000-2,800 panels, but wattage, tilt angle, and design all play a role in the final system structure. If you elect for more efficient panels, you can reduce that number by a significant percentage.
How long do solar panels last?
The manufacturing and usage of the panel impacts longevity, but most will provide up to 25 or more years of reliable output with regular care and maintenance.
