Rural Action offers workshops and events that educate agricultural producers about the benefits of on-farm solar. Farmers can get a free REDA solar site assessment and receive technical support when applying for the USDA REAP grant, which can reduce upfront costs to a solar installation.
Agrivoltaics 101
Agrivoltaics is the practice of co-locating solar with agricultural practices. This is done by raising ground mounted solar panels off the ground to allow for crop growing, animal grazing or a pollinator habitat below them. Agrivoltaics have benefits for both the solar panels and the land below them.
With vegetation below the solar panels, it keeps them cooler which results in more efficient solar panels that capture more sunlight. Because the panels become cooler and more efficient, it reduces the maintenance costs of the solar panels.
If you decide to incorporate crop growing below your solar panels, you may see increased yields of shade tolerant crops. Animal grazing will reduce emissions and maintenance costs while also providing dairy, meat and wool to local markets. Pollinator habitats also reduce maintenance costs while providing soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, pollinator value and marketable products.