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A Hot Idea for Producing Cool, Clean Energy

Solar panels on fallow ground in Las Cruces, NM
A typical utility-scale single-axis tracking installation built on fallow ground in Las Cruces, NM. The solar panels are elevated 4 feet above the ground on pedestals and rotate from east to west to follow the sun. (Photo courtesy of Derek Whitelock)

'Agrivoltaics' – agriculture + photovoltaics, is a hot new idea that uses land for both growing food and making energy from the sun in states where there’s lots of sunshine and not much water.

Agrivoltaics involves placing solar panels in farm fields and ranches in Southwestern U.S. states like New Mexico. In addition to capturing sunlight to produce electricity, shade from the solar panels provides cover that can prevent plants and animals from overheating in the scorching sun. The results of this project will be both green crops and green energy – that can also produce revenue for farmers and ranchers. Learn more about this innovative research. 

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