American Garden Solar Panel Production

Do agrivoltaic plants grow well under solar panels?

Figure 1, like Table 1, shows that most agrivoltaic projects of 1 to 5 megawatts feature pollinator habitat with some livestock grazing, and a small amount of vegetable and berry production. Shade tolerant and heat sensitive plants, such as spinach, lettuce, blueberries, and raspberries generally do well under solar panels.

How many agrivoltaic sites are there in the US?

Based on data collected so far by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there are over 2.8 GW of agrivoltaic sites in the U.S., the majority of which involve sheep grazing and/or pollinator habitat. Growing crops under solar panels has been largely confined to research test plots, though this is beginning to change.

How many agrivoltaic projects are there?

To date, the number of agrivoltaics projects has been modest, about 600 nationwide. Sheep grazing is the most popular livestock type. Vegetables and berries are the leading crops. Extending the investment tax credits for new commercial solar projects beyond the end of 2027 would also help to spur agrivoltaic development.

Where is Jack's solar garden?

Just south of Longmont, Colorado, in the sun-drenched foothills of the Front Range, is a small but bustling family-owned farm. On an average summer day at Jack's Solar Garden, people growing spinach, sage and strawberries mingle with students studying sustainable food production, as bees and other pollinators hum around flowers.