5 Crops That Thrive Under Solar Panels

Agrivoltaics, the co-location of solar energy production with agriculture, presents a range of challenges and benefits to the system as a whole. These systems promote dual land use, water efficiency, and crop protection. Not all crops perform equally; some plants thrive unequally under these conditions, while others may not perform as well. Below are some recommended crop families for agrivoltaic projects.

Root vegetables

Carrots, beets, and radishes, alongside other root vegetables, often improve when growing underneath solar panels. These crops require consistent soil conditions, such as stable soil temperatures and sufficient soil moisture; agrivoltaics enhances these parameters. The shade provided by the panels reduces evaporation and moderates temperature extremes, stabilizing maturation and reducing plant stress.

Leafy greens

Lettuce, spinach, and kale are ideal candidates as agrivoltaic crops. They are shade-loving plants that experience increased yields in part sun conditions. Shade from the solar installation decreases the need for water through reduced transpiration. Additionally, solar panels can offer storm protection from intense rain and hail, protecting the leaves from tattering, providing a higher quality product. If your operation focuses on producing leafy greens, then agrivoltaics presents the opportunity to improve your product and on-farm operations. 

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries have all shown promise growing under agrivoltaic conditions. Reduced risk of sunburn, extended growing seasons, and protection from wildlife are all reasons why these crops thrive. Depending on your climate and exposure to solar radiation, a slight increase in shade often leaves minimal impacts on berry crop performance. Strawberries should be carefully considered as they require high amounts of light. Exploring non-traditional solar configurations, such as a solar fence, has the opportunity to decrease shading impacts while still generating energy and agricultural products. 

Herbs

Rosemary, basil, sage, and mint are shade-tolerant plants that constitute a great agrivoltaic crop. These crops hold high economic value while occupying a low footprint. The shade provided enhances the flavor and increases oil production, resulting in a higher-quality product. Shading also reduces plant stress, keeping plants in a vegetative stage and limiting bolting (the end of the edible phase, when plants transition to flowering). Agrivoltaics presents an opportunity to enhance crop quality and extend seasonal growth, all while generating clean energy. 

Forages

Forages are commonly grown in agrivoltaic applications as they perform well in shaded conditions. Furthermore, forages support grazing systems and provide a healthy ecosystem for livestock producers. Shade provided reduces the water budget, promotes season extension, and overall benefits this cropping system. Additionally, the shade has ancillary benefits to livestock, such as a reduction of body temperature, resulting in a healthier animal. 

These crops are commonly grown underneath solar infrastructure and for good reason - they thrive! Although these are recommendations, they should not be viewed as limitations. Light-intensive crops are often discouraged for agrivoltaic systems. In practice, solar can accommodate all crops, and installing vertical solar reduces the shade experienced and has shown promise with crops such as corn. 

Reach out to us to explore a cropping analysis for your solar farm!