by Aspen Global Change Institute staff

October 2021 Research Review

An emerging strategy known as agrivoltaics combines solar electricity generation with agricultural production in the same location. More and more research is evaluating agrivoltaics for its potential to enhance land use efficiency, climate solutions, sustainable food, and local economies. Different agrivoltaic configurations—such as combining PV with croplands, pastures, or pollinator habitats—may contribute to achieving sustainable energy and food goals simultaneously, while possibly reducing local opposition to PV deployment. This article reviews a few recent studies that uncover what researchers are finding about the myriad potential benefits of agrivoltaics.