AGRIVOLTAICS

     Agrivoltaics uses solar panels installed properly on an active farm to allow enough sunlight to provide enough energy for plants to perform photosynthesis while offsetting most or all the farm's electricity needs.  The panels are properly elevated, spaced & orientated for both the crop and site, allowing crop growth and energy production.

​

     Studies have shown crop yields only decrease less than 5% - 20% depending on the crop and solar panel used (Fraunhofer).  Bifacial solar panels, which have no back sheet but another glass panel, make them more robust. They allow some light to pass through while producing up to 25% more electricity from reflected light deflected off the ground and plants. 

​

     Other Agrivoltaic installations have found that their crop production increased up to 3 times depending on the species due to the shade, decreasing water needs by 15%.  The plants' natural ability to absorb energy and the natural process of evapotranspiration helps keep the solar panel's cooler, increasing electricity production by 2%!

 

     Solar solutions can also be easily integrated into livestock applications, especially poultry and hog farms, typically having high ventilation, heating, and cooling needs requiring large amounts of electricity.  

​

     Please get in touch with 3E Enterprises Group if you consider a solar solution on your farm - we can assist you with very active grant programs now available via the USDA and various states to accelerate the Agrivoltaic solutions.