Agrivoltaics proves mutually beneficial across food, water, energy

Agrivoltaics, the co-locating of agriculture and solar photovoltaic panels, offers a possible solution for regions susceptible to heat and drought, according to a paper published in Nature Sustainability by Greg Barron-Gafford, an associate professor in the School of Geography and Development.

Agrivoltaics, also known as solar sharing, is an idea that has been gaining traction in recent years; however, few studies have monitored all aspects of the associated food, energy and water systems, and none have focused on dryland areas — regions that experience food production challenges and water shortages, but have an overabundance of sun energy.

“Many of us want more renewable energy, but where do you put all of those panels? As solar installations grow, they tend to be out on the edges of cities, and this is historically where we have already been growing our food,” said Barron-Gafford.

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