Agrivoltaics creates synergies at the intersection of food, energy, water and soil, the the FEWS. These interdependent components that, together, are the core elements on Earth.
In these times that we collectively face a multi-crisis, in Energy crisis, widespread drought and structural challenges in the agricultural sector, Agrivoltaics is a multifunctional solution.
APV creates win-win outcomes across many sectors, increasing crop production, reducing water loss, improving soil health, better efficiency of solar arrays. Adopting such synergistic paths forward can help build resilient food-production, energy-generation systems and healthy ecosystems.
Revenues from land leases, solar and storage sales and electric vehicle charging strategies can help support farming families. Combined with a permanent Reduction of energy and fuel expenses which insulates from inflationary pressures.
Less water is needed for some plants to produce the same yield or more. Native plantings improve water retention resulting in less water runoff.
Plant biodiversity and native plants with deep roots stabilize soils and increase carbon sequestration.
Some plants produce a larger yields in arid regions when grown under panels.
Crops are better protected from high winds and hail, reducing risk of crop destruction.
Planting native plants supports local ecosystems, encouraging insects, birds and wildlife to use the location.
In the Sustainability paper, 13,000 square miles, or 1% of current U.S. farmland. agrivoltaics to meet 20% of U.S. electricity generation.
The cost of the agrivoltaic arrays would be $1.12 trillion over a 35-year project life. With projected 17 years to payback the $1.12 trillion.
https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northeast/topic/agrivoltaics-coming-soon-farm-near-you
Kazusatsurumai Solar Sharing Project: Under the solar panels, Takasawa has cultivated peanuts, yams, eggplants, cucumber, tomatoes and taros, and cabbages during the winter.
Farmers in Japan are suffering reduced farm revenues and lack of successors. Many small farmers are forced to take on a second job to make ends meet. Agrivoltaic projects can re-activate the declining farming sector.
“I hope this will attract young people to come back to the countryside” Takazawa said.
