Authors: Joshua Brown & Tyler Swanson | October 10, 2023

Learn how incorporating agricultural practices into your solar development improves project success

Agrivoltaics, the innovative fusion of traditional agricultural practices with solar installations, is revolutionizing land use and energy generation. By seamlessly integrating farming and livestock elements into photovoltaic facilities, solar developers, owners and operators can not only diversify revenue streams but also reduce environmental impact and strengthen community ties. Based on our expertise and experience we explain the benefits, best practices and economic potential of agrivoltaics to build a more sustainable future.

What are the Benefits of Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of areas of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture practices including sheep grazing, row crops, pollinator plants and nearby beehives.

Typically, solar panels capture sunshine on structures like roof tops, non-agricultural land, or even cars and road signs. But agricultural land is the most suitable for solar farm construction due to cleared areas, usually relatively flat land, viable, nearby electrical interconnections, lower cost leases and positive landowner relationships. Employing agrivoltaics in a solar development reduces project opposition and operating costs. The land use benefits can support a more streamlined environmental permitting process and enhances community acceptance and local stakeholder support.

Agrivoltaics solves complex problems for the landowners, community energy grids and even supplies financial relief over time. This practice is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%.

One main benefit of argivoltaics is to provide another revenue stream for landowners who want to both farm and manage their leased land. Additional benefits are lower Agricultural Impact Mitigation Payments, increased reputation within the local community and more favorable evaluation and approval of solar projects. A recent survey of two U.S. communities found that when agrivoltaics was included as a feature in a proposed solar project, public support for the project increased by 81.8%.

Key Agrivoltaic Practices

Crop Production

In the United States, thirty-five acres of solar sites use crop based agrivoltaics producing just over 8 MW. This involves planting crops under or in-between rows of solar panels which provide shade for crops, given that the plant is shade tolerant. This technique can lead to larger yield and allows the soil to better retain water which contributes to overall plant growth. For the solar operator, crop production agrivoltaics offers more acreage to use for energy collection. While traditionally owned solar panels are installed on roof tops or other areas with limited space, the opportunity to develop land is less advantageous than using land rich with crops.

Solar Beekeeping

As of 2023, 10,812 acres of solar sites in the Unites States incorporated a pollinator habitat which led to a total capacity of 1,864 MW. Pollinator habitats come in two forms: solar beekeeping and solar-pollinator habitats. Solar beekeeping involves co-locating beehives and photovoltaics to benefit both the farmer maintaining the hive and the facility operator. Solar panel efficiency sees a sharp increase by cooler microclimates from pollinator ground covers. Pollinator friendly solar sites are authorized as an environmental compliance measure and can supply extra benefit to the solar company when completing the solar scorecard. While landowners earn extra income, and operators reduce maintenance costs by planting native vegetation. This also helps nearby crops by providing pollinators and improves soil health. The second type of pollinator habitats is Solar-Pollinator habitats which encompasses solar sites and native plants to cultivate pollinators, wildlife, soil quality and water conservation.

Grazing

As of 2023, grazing, also known as solar grazing in agrivoltaics, was employed on 15,278 acres of solar sires in the United States with a total capacity of 2,315 MW making grazing the most utilized practice of agrivoltaics. The practice involves employing grazing livestock on solar facilities to contribute to vegetation and landscape goals. Grazing was found to have significant cost savings, replacing the need for large mechanical vegetation management, and therefore avoiding capital and transportation costs.

Agrivoltaics includes three main practices: pollinator production, crop production and livestock grazing. Implementation varies depending on the size of the solar installation and the type of collection used.

Costs Analysis of Agrivoltaics

In a study for a proposed solar energy facility, the inclusion of grazing and beekeeping on-site proved to be economically advantageous. By co-utilizing the land, it lowers soft costs and enables the solar developer to reach its goals. Landowners received $250 per acre for vegetation management through grazing sheep, resulting in a $147 profit per acre along with the creation of six community jobs due to increased labor needs. Beekeeping generated income, with medium and large apiaries yielding $5 and $23 per colony, respectively. Additionally, beekeeping encouraged the cultivation of pollinator-friendly vegetation, enhancing the health of the facility grounds.

Regarding vegetation management costs in agrivoltaics, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses typically account for 1-5% of solar facility’s lifetime costs. Vegetation management costs can vary based on location, site characteristics and the chosen ground cover. A survey of U.S. solar facilities showed different costs for various ground cover methods as seen in the below image:

In summary, incorporating grazing and beekeeping in agrivoltaics projects can yield great economic benefits, create jobs and improve environmental sustainability. While vegetation management costs may vary, the long-term advantages make these methods appealing for solar facility projects, offering more than just financial benefits.

Embrace The Shift

Partner With TRC’s Tested Practitioners

Contact Us

Sharing Our Perspectives

Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.

nerc-releases-inverter-based-resources-webinar
Regulatory Updates

NERC Releases Inverter Based Resources Webinar Series

October 19, 2023

As the power delivery system continues to rapidly evolve due to decarbonization policy initiatives, inverter-based resources (IBRs) are playing an ever-more significant role in generation additions to the bulk power system. NERC and other technical organizations have taken numerous actions to support the reliable integration of these resources.

142a9bff-agrivoltaics-a-sustainable-way-to-harvest-sunshine
Insights

Agrivoltaics: A Sustainable Way to Harvest Sunshine

October 10, 2023

Learn how incorporating agricultural practices into your solar development improves project success.

windmills
Regulatory Updates

FERC Issues Order 2023 to Resolve Interconnection Process Issues

September 25, 2023

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Order 2023 to facilitate and improve the speed and reliability of adding new energy resources to the power system

power-lines
Insights

Intro to NERC Regulatory Guidance on Inverter-Based Resources

August 29, 2023

As renewable energy proliferates across the US power system, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continues to actively address reliability risks resulting from the implementation of inverter-based resources (solar and wind generation technology) connected at both transmission and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) levels.

0e9da657-gettyimages-1281497836
Insights

The Rise of Agrivoltaics

July 18, 2023

This article explores the tensions between traditional agriculture and solar development, as well as the financial benefits for farmers who lease their land for solar projects.

inverter-bas
Regulatory Updates

FERC Approves Plan to Register Certain Inverter-Based Resources as part of NERC Mandatory Standards Compliance Program

June 21, 2023

FERC issued an order approving NERC’s compliance filings.

solar-panels-photovoltaic
Resources

Agrivoltaics

February 8, 2023

Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture.

solar20panel20transmission20lines20substations
Regulatory Updates

New FERC Orders Will Change Regulatory Process for Inverter Based Resources

January 9, 2023

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently proposed actions to keep the regulatory process and requirements ahead of reliability risks resulting from the accelerated deployment of Inverter Based Resources (IBR) based solar, wind and battery storage projects.

GettyImages-1718569266-sm
Regulatory Updates

NERC Releases Inverter-Based Resource Strategy Plan

October 25, 2022

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released an Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Strategy, which details the steps needed to successfully integrate IBR facilities into the planning and operation of the power system. The strategy was put in place due to the rapid interconnection of IBR systems, which are extensively used for solar and wind generating facilities, including new battery-based energy storage systems and are one of the most significant drivers of power grid transformation. Because of control system inconsistencies, IBR facilities pose well-documented risks to power system reliability when this strategy’s practices are not adhered to. NERC’s plan calls attention to the need for thoughtful integration of IBRs and identifies current and future work required to mitigate reliability risks resulting from the deployment of this technology.

279034d1-renewables
Insights

Q&A: Insights for Growing Utility-Scale Renewable Generation

September 29, 2022

TRC’s Senior Vice President of Renewable answers key questions to help utilities and developers overcome challenges associated with an increase in renewable generation.

8ff0b20f-adobestock_social_resilience
Insights

The Social Side of Resiliency

August 30, 2022

For community leaders, rebuilding in the wake of disasters creates an opportunity to do more than simply replace homes with the fastest, least-expensive structures.

GettyImages-1814924655-min
News

TRC Companies Inc. acquires Blue Oak Energy

July 12, 2022

TRC Companies announces the acquisition of Blue Oak Energy, a firm that specializes in engineering for photovoltaic solar energy projects.

electric-industrial-power-station-windmill-and-sola
Regulatory Updates

NERC’s Revised PRC-024-3 Standard for Inverter-Based Generation Effective in October 2022

May 11, 2022

Changes to PRC-024-3 in support of inverter-based generation performance are going into effect in October of this year. Interconnection programs and documentation procedures may need to be updated in order to maintain compliance.

pylon-and-photovoltaic-panels
Regulatory Updates

New NERC Guidance Supports the Implementation of Grid Forming Inverters

March 8, 2022

NERC has issued a new report highlighting the key attributes of various inverter controls to support proper implementation and to protect reliability.

c9d7cd17-regs
Insights

FERC Order No. 2222, DERs & Energy Technology

February 1, 2022

FERC issued O. 2222 to enable distributed energy resources (DERs) to better participate alongside traditional resources in regional, organized wholesale markets.

GettyImages-1046372246-1
Videos

Land Siting for Solar Projects

December 16, 2021

Learn more about the development, design and procurement processes key to evaluating agricultural or other properties for large scale solar projects.

GettyImages-2166904607
Insights

Using GIS Technology to Find Solar Development Sites

November 28, 2021

Renewable energy developers are in a race to find the optimal places for solar projects. GIS technology identifies the best locations.

clean-energy
Regulatory Updates

NERC Seeks to Improve GADS Reliability Performance Reporting

August 26, 2021

Under the enabling legislation that created the Electric Reliability Organization, NERC is responsible for assessing the reliable performance of the power system. One way NERC does so is via an industry reporting system for generation and transmission. The Generator Availability Data System (GADS) has been used by NERC and the industry for over 40 years to obtain data on the generation component of the power system[1]. Due to the rapidly changing generating resource mix, it is essential that NERC have comprehensive plant, event, outage and performance data for photovoltaic and wind generation to ensure reliability. As renewable technologies are increasingly deployed, a complete set of generation asset performance statistics is necessary to allow NERC to evaluate the system’s ability to serve load, the performance of the power system and to forecast any potential reliability issues due to resource inadequacy. Therefore, NERC is proposing to make the following enhancements to the GADS data collection process for renewable generation: Add Generator Owners that operate solar photovoltaic facilities of 20 MW or greater to the Generating Availability Data System (referred to as “GADS-PV”); and Expand GADS Wind (“GADS-W”) reporting to include connected energy storage and event reporting.

solar-power-plant
Insights

The Economics of Transitioning to Renewables

May 15, 2021

One of the biggest obstacles involved with the transition to renewable energy is speculation about its economic impact. Some worry that switching to renewables will cause instability in the economy, leading to job losses. Many communities across the United States rely on the economic impact of producing, manufacturing or otherwise taking part in the use of hydrocarbons.

2f472652-bristol-uk-banner
Insights

Environmental Impacts of Transitioning to Renewables

May 15, 2021

The transition to renewable energy sources will have notable environmental impacts as well as economic impacts. To understand the possible implications, you’ll need some background knowledge of the ways fossil fuels affect the environment.

renew
Insights

Transitioning Away From Hydrocarbons

May 15, 2021

The transition from oil and gas to renewables has involved complicated technological research. Sustainable energy production has become a priority around the world. Although the transition has been slow, technological advancements are promising. When approaching an energy transition, leaders should consider all different possible avenues and their potential impacts. Many alternative energy sources are available, each with its own pros and cons.

solar-new-england
Insights

Transitioning from Hydrocarbons to Renewable Energy

May 15, 2021

This guide details the questions to ask and factors to consider when transitioning from hydrocarbons to renewable energy sources.

NERC-Issues-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems-Reliability-Guidance
Regulatory Updates

NERC Issues Battery Energy Storage Systems Reliability Guidance

April 22, 2021

While NERC has recently published a reliability guideline addressing inverter-based resources generally, they are now giving more attention to the various potential uses of BESS to support effective implementation with newly released guidance.

9b9c3ca5-connected-field-forward-renewable-energy
Videos

TRC Talks – Integrated Solutions for Renewable Energy

April 7, 2021

Close coordination when planning the electrical and civil design components of a renewable energy project is critical to development success. Working with a multi-disciplinary team can streamline approval processes and ensure optimum constructability.

GettyImages-1216409748-1
Insights

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

March 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

GettyImages-1927102839-1
Insights

Green Insider Podcast featuring TRC’s Sr. Vice President of Renewables, Matt Beaton

January 25, 2021

Our experts discuss the challenges of working on the opportunities of offshore wind and hydroelectric power, and strategies to advance broad clean energy reform.

GettyImages-525440707-a
News

TRC Companies Inc. Acquires 1Source Safety and Health

November 11, 2020

TRC Companies (“TRC”), a leading technology-driven provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions, has acquired 1Source Safety and Health, a firm that provides management consulting services in areas such as indoor air quality, asbestos management, industrial hygiene and safety management systems.

GettyImages-1645947669
News

City of Camarillo, California approves moving forward with Hybrid Solar Microgrids at five critical community facilities

November 6, 2020

On October 28, the Camarillo City Council unanimously approved moving forward with the design of Hybrid Microgrids at five City facilities: City Hall, the Corporation Yard, Camarillo Public Library, Police Station, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The microgrid at the Camarillo Public Library will be designed with solar+storage only, while the other four sites will employ a hybrid design of solar+storage+diesel.

86abe231-solar-image-2

Michigan Utility’s First Brownfield Solar Project Highlights Promise, Challenges

November 7, 2019

TRC’s Doug Kilmer talks to Energy News Network about the benefits of repurposing brownfields as sites for solar arrays: “For some of these properties, this is the best way to get them back on the tax rolls.”

d99df596-trc-coal-ash-solar-sites
Insights

Why Coal Ash Impoundments and Landfills Make Great Solar Sites

September 25, 2019

Hundreds of coal ash sites are set to close over the next decade and could make ideal, low-impact locations for utility-scale solar farms.

GettyImages-636068142
Regulatory Updates

NERC to Modify Standard and Develop Compliance Guidance to Accommodate Inverter-Based Generation Technologies

February 20, 2019

Renewable energy systems have dramatically changed the power generation resource mix. These new generation technologies no longer involve directly coupled rotating generators which were once standard in the industry. Now, inverters that change Direct Current (DC) electricity to the Alternating Current (AC) electricity suitable for delivery via AC transmission systems are becoming more prevalent, raising reliability…

GettyImages-1493729544
Regulatory Updates

NERC Identifies New Reliability Risk due to Utility Scale Solar Generation Inverter Design

June 13, 2017

NERC has released a report documenting its findings and recommendations related to reliability risks from utility scale solar generation projects with implications for PRC-024 compliance, as well as generation, interconnection and protection system technologies.

e7d62e35-solar20panel20transmission20lines20substations
Insights

Successful Interconnection of Utility Scale Solar Projects – Strategies to Stay on Schedule and on Budget

November 2, 2016

Growth in solar power creates challenges for both project proponents and utilities. TRC has reviewed hundreds of interconnection applications for utility partners, and we’ve learned important strategies for reducing the time and costs associated with interconnecting projects 1 megawatt or greater.

Two workers installing photovoltaic system.
News

TRC Teams With BQ Energy for Award-Winning Solar Installation

January 13, 2016

TRC Companies has teamed with BQ Energy to develop the PatterSun solar installation, a project received a 2015 Chairman’s Award from The Business Council of New York.

Next Steps: TRC Can Help

Embracing agrivoltaics not only streamlines the bidding process but also reduces costs, fosters positive community relations and unlocks a multitude of environmental and economic advantages for your project. With flexible options to suit your objectives and budget, the expanding agrivoltaics industry and shifting policies make it essential to integrate agrivoltaics into your next solar facility bid.

TRC’s renewable energy team provides early solar design support and safety guidelines for agrivoltaic options. As a partner to solar developers, owners and operators, we help create agrivoltaic contracts that ensure operational success, while managing public visibility and media attention so you can overcome opposition and mitigate permitting challenges.

To learn more, visit our related service pages or contact our experts:

GettyImages-2180890158-1
fc301d84-joshua_brown
Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown is an Environmental Program/Project Manager with over 18 years of experience in renewable energy and transmission permitting. As a Project Manager at TRC, he has been involved with and managed the permitting of numerous wind energy, solar and transmission line projects with a focus on identification and management of critical issues and strategic planning. Josh has a B.S. in Environmental Forest Biology and Forest and Natural Resources Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Contact Joshua at jsbrown@trccompanies.com.

0bf202d7-tyler-swanson-headshot
Tyler Swanson

Tyler Swanson is a Renewable Delivery Intern at TRC. Tyler graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May 2023 with a B.S. in Agricultural & Consumer Economics and minors in Urban Planning and Sustainability, Energy and Environment. Upon completion of his internship, Tyler will pursue a M.A. in Geography at the University of Arizona where he will focus his studies on the social dimensions of agrivoltaics.