Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics

The document details how integrating solar energy with agriculture (agrivoltaics) and ecosystem functions (ecovoltaics) can reduce water use, diversify farm income, and support biodiversity. It highlights specific benefits for disadvantaged communities and provides recommendations for financing, pilot projects, and permitting to encourage adoption over traditional solar installations.

• Agrivoltaics can significantly lower agricultural water consumption by shading soil and reducing evapotranspiration. A 2024 study in the southwestern United States found that these systems can reduce water consumption by 30 to 40 percent, with minimal impacts on yields for crops that tolerate shade.
• The integration of solar panels can improve energy efficiency and farm economics. Vegetation provides a cooling effect that allows panels to function better at lower temperatures than those over bare ground. Economically, agrivoltaics can lower on-farm electricity costs for irrigation and refrigeration, or provide revenue through land-leasing agreements with utilities and other energy buyers.
• Ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics provide environmental and social benefits, including the creation of habitats for pollinators and endangered species and the reduction of groundwater pumping near disadvantaged communities. When combined with seasonal aquifer recharge, ecovoltaics can enhance water security and quality.
• Agrivoltaic infrastructure can be leveraged to advance precision farming and automation. The solar arrays can power and house sensors, robotics, and communication devices, enabling data-driven decision-making regarding metrics such as evapotranspiration.
• The primary barrier to agrivoltaic adoption is cost. Capital costs for these systems are higher than traditional ground-mounted solar, with an increase ranging from $0.07/watts of direct current (WDC) to $0.80/WDC depending on the design.
• Permitting for agrivoltaics in California may be easier than for traditional solar because local governments have limited authority to prohibit solar development for on-site use. However, uncertainties regarding whether agrivoltaics qualify for existing agricultural tax incentives or easements can cause delays.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2024). Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Agrivoltaics-and-Ecovoltaics-eng_0.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics. 2024. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Agrivoltaics-and-Ecovoltaics-eng_0.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics |date=July 2024 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Agrivoltaics-and-Ecovoltaics-eng_0.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2024agrivoltaics, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Agrivoltaics and Ecovoltaics}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2024}, month = jul, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/Agrivoltaics-and-Ecovoltaics-eng_0.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }