Agrivoltaics combines farming with solar energy production to increase crop yields and conserve water, thus making it a solution to food insecurity and water scarcity. Research from the University of Sheffield found crops like maize and beans thrived under solar panel shade, which also reduced evaporation and provided rainwater for irrigation.
Agrivoltaics: A Sustainable Solution for Food, Water, and Energy Security
Recent research by the University of Sheffield has highlighted the transformative potential of agrivoltaics, the practice of combining farming with solar energy production on the same land. This innovative approach can significantly enhance crop yields while reducing water usage. This makes it an essential tool for addressing global challenges like food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy poverty.
The study — published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews — was led by an international team of researchers from the University of Sheffield, the Center for International Forestry Research, Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania, Latia Agribusiness Solutions, and the University of Arizona. Their findings revealed that crops such as maize, Swiss chard, and beans thrived under the partial shade provided by solar panels.
Agrivoltaics creates a microclimate that benefits both crops and soil. Solar panels reduce water loss by minimizing evaporation, which leads to more efficient water use. Additionally, rainwater collected from the panels can supplement irrigation, further conserving water in regions where it is scarce. This approach is particularly effective in arid and semi-arid areas like East Africa.
Professor Sue Hartley from the University of Sheffield emphasized the importance of agrivoltaics in combating climate change. "By shading crops with solar panels, we created a microclimate that boosted yields and conserved water. This is crucial for regions threatened by climate change," she explained.
The research also showed that agrivoltaics could enhance crop resilience during heat waves. The partial shade not only protected crops from direct solar radiation but also reduced ultraviolet damage and irrigation demands.
Clean Energy and Rural Development
Beyond its agricultural benefits, agrivoltaics offers a reliable source of clean energy. Rural communities can use off-grid solar systems to power homes, businesses, and agricultural equipment. This reduces dependency on biomass and diesel, which are common in regions with limited access to electricity.
East Africa has one of the fastest electrification rates globally, but rural areas still face significant challenges. Extending grid access to remote areas is expensive and often impractical. Decentralized systems — such as those enabled by agrivoltaics — provide a cost-effective solution. The region has significant solar potential, receiving 4.0 to 6.9 kWh/m²/day. Despite this, solar energy makes up less than one percent of its electricity generation.
Dr Richard Randle-Boggis, the study's lead author, highlighted the multifunctional nature of agrivoltaics. "This approach boosts food production and clean electricity generation while reducing irrigation needs," he said. However, he stressed the importance of tailoring systems to specific environments to maximize their benefits.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It accounts for 9.4 percent of emissions in the United States in 2022. Methane from fertilizers and farm equipment is a major driver of this pollution. Adopting practices like agrivoltaics can help mitigate these effects. The US Department of Agriculture suggests strategies such as improved nitrogen management and planting trees alongside crops.
The researchers noted that agrivoltaics could help East Africa address food insecurity, which affects nearly half of households. Climate change is expected to reduce crop yields in the region by 8 to 45 percent by 2050. By integrating solar energy with farming, agrivoltaics offers a pathway to mitigate these losses while increasing access to clean energy.
Effective implementation of agrivoltaics requires careful design to avoid conflicts with traditional land uses. Solar panels must be strategically positioned to allow sufficient sunlight for shade-tolerant crops. Gaps between panels can ensure adequate solar radiation reaches the crops, while still providing the shading benefits.
Agrivoltaics represents a promising solution to some of the world's most pressing challenges. It combines the need for sustainable energy, efficient water use, and increased food production. By integrating these systems into rural and urban farming, regions can build resilience against climate change while improving livelihoods.