Skies Look Sunny for Agrivoltaics in Washington State

What if solar power production could be developed in ways that coexist with existing farms, orchards and ranches? A new state-funded report, co-authored by Washington State University (WSU) researchers, evaluates the feasibility of such an approach, known as “agrivoltaics.” Researchers found that it could work across tens of thousands of acres of Washington farmland — producing power, offering shade to protect certain crops and livestock, and keeping agricultural land in operation.

“Pulling land out of food production is not something we should be doing,” says Chad Kruger, the Director of WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture & Natural Resources and Assistant Director for WSU’s Institute for Northwest Energy Futures, who co-authored the report. “How can we potentially integrate energy generation and food production in a way that isn’t a proposition where one side wins and the other loses — where it really is a dual benefit?”

More study is required, and significant obstacles remain, including a high-upfront cost. But the report—titled “Low-hanging fruit for Washington’s energy future?” — concludes that there is reason for “cautious optimism” about implementing agrivoltaics in the state. In addition to preserving farmland, the approach would help prevent the conversion of undeveloped natural areas, like shrubsteppe and Palouse prairie, into single-use solar projects.

The project involved reviewing scientific literature, mapping agricultural land where agrivolataics might work, and surveying farmers. It lays out a series of recommendations for advancing the technology, including establishing demonstration projects, providing more information to farmers, and creating policy and financial incentives.

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The report estimates that agrivoltaics could work on 87,000 acres of agricultural land in Washington state that are within one mile of an electrical substation. It is particularly promising for apples, berries, and other perennial fruiting crops; half the land identified as feasible was orchards, primarily in central and eastern parts of the state. Dairy farms may also be a good fit.

For more, continue reading at news.wsu.edu.