Solar Panels Boost Crops & Energy in the Southwest
▼ Summary
– Agrivoltaics, the practice of farming under solar panels, has shown benefits like larger crop yields and reduced irrigation needs in the Tucson desert.
– At least 604 agrivoltaic sites exist in the U.S., combining solar energy production with agriculture or grazing.
– Agrivoltaics may help agriculture in the Southwest by providing shade, reducing heat stress on crops, and improving solar panel efficiency.
– Challenges to agrivoltaics include farmer skepticism and funding difficulties despite its potential benefits.
– Rising temperatures in the Southwest reduce solar panel efficiency, creating a climate-related hurdle for renewable energy solutions.
Solar panels are proving to be more than just energy generators in the Southwest, they’re transforming agriculture by creating ideal growing conditions beneath their shade. Researchers have found that combining solar arrays with farming, a practice known as agrivoltaics, not only produces clean electricity but also enhances crop yields while conserving water in drought-prone regions.
Greg Barron-Gafford, a researcher at the University of Arizona, has spent over a decade studying this dual-use approach. His team observed remarkable results, including basil plants producing unusually large leaves, some as big as a human hand, when grown under solar panels. The shade provided by the arrays reduces heat stress on crops and significantly cuts irrigation needs, a critical advantage in the arid Southwest.
Agrivoltaics isn’t just beneficial for crops; it also improves solar panel efficiency. Panels operate best at around 75°F, but soaring temperatures in the Southwest can reduce their performance. The cooling effect of plants underneath helps maintain optimal conditions, boosting energy output. This symbiotic relationship addresses two major challenges: renewable energy production and sustainable farming in a warming climate.
Despite its promise, widespread adoption faces hurdles. Some farmers remain skeptical about integrating solar infrastructure into their land, and securing funding for these projects can be difficult. Still, with over 600 agrivoltaic sites already operating across the U.S., the practice is gaining traction as a viable solution for regions grappling with extreme heat and water scarcity.
The Southwest’s climate is intensifying, with cities like Tucson enduring record-breaking heatwaves. Data from the National Weather Service shows the area experienced 112 days of triple-digit temperatures in 2024, while long-term trends indicate steadily rising averages. Agrivoltaics offers a way to adapt, turning harsh conditions into an opportunity for both energy and food production.
By merging solar technology with agriculture, researchers believe this innovative approach could help farmers thrive while supporting the transition to renewable energy. The key now is overcoming barriers to implementation and demonstrating its potential on a larger scale.
(Source: Ars Technica)
