The Future of Agrivoltaics: Combining Solar Power and Agriculture

Introduction

Agrivoltaics—combining solar energy production with agricultural activities—is gaining traction as a sustainable solution that maximizes land use while providing dual benefits. As land availability becomes more constrained and the demand for renewable energy rises, agrivoltaics offers commercial farmers and landowners a way to enhance profitability, sustainability, and energy independence. Here’s what you need to know about the future of agrivoltaics and how Surge can help implement it.

🌾 What is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics refers to the co-location of solar photovoltaic panels with agricultural operations. This dual-use approach allows land to generate clean energy while supporting:

• Crop cultivation beneath and between solar arrays

• Grazing for livestock, such as sheep or goats

• Pollinator-friendly habitats to boost biodiversity

This synergy enables landowners to optimize both energy production and agricultural yield.

📈 Benefits of Agrivoltaics

• Efficient Land Use: Generates renewable energy without displacing agricultural activities

• Additional Revenue Streams: Farmers can earn income from solar power in addition to traditional farming

• Microclimate Improvements: Solar panels can provide shade, reducing water evaporation and protecting crops from extreme weather

• Sustainability and ESG Goals: Supports carbon reduction and land stewardship initiatives

For landowners, agrivoltaics represents a way to future-proof their operations economically and environmentally.

🌦️ Ideal Crops and Agricultural Practices

Not all crops are equally suited for agrivoltaics. Ideal candidates include:

• Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach) that thrive in partial shade

• Root vegetables like carrots and beets

• Forage crops for grazing animals

• Specialty crops that benefit from reduced heat stress

Additionally, integrating pollinator-friendly plants can enhance ecosystem services.

🔋 Energy and Storage Synergies

Agrivoltaics can be combined with battery storage systems to:

• Maximize the utility of generated power by storing excess energy

• Provide power for on-site farming operations, reducing reliance on grid electricity

• Support microgrid development in rural or remote areas

This integration enhances both energy reliability and farm productivity.

📜 Policy Support and Incentives

In 2025, various policies and incentives are fostering agrivoltaic development:

• Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act

• State-level grants and pilot programs encouraging dual-use solar farms

• USDA funding opportunities for rural energy and sustainable farming practices

Surge helps clients navigate these incentives to make agrivoltaic projects financially viable.

🤝 Why Surge is the Right Partner for Agrivoltaics

Surge brings expertise in both solar development and sustainability:

• Customized system designs that balance energy generation with agricultural productivity

• Collaboration with agronomists and farmers to select suitable crops and land management strategies

• Comprehensive project management from feasibility studies to installation and maintenance

With Surge, landowners can unlock the full potential of their land through smart, sustainable energy solutions.

📝 TLDR Summary

• Agrivoltaics combines solar energy production with farming activities on the same land

• Benefits include optimized land use, extra revenue, improved crop resilience, and ESG advantages

• Ideal for certain crops, grazing, and pollinator habitats

• Integrating storage enhances energy reliability for agricultural operations

• Incentives and policy support make agrivoltaics increasingly accessible

• Surge offers tailored agrivoltaic solutions for sustainable, profitable land use