Agrivoltaics | Solar Landscaping + Farming for a Smarter Future

Solar Landscaping & Agrivoltaics: Growing Crops and Clean Energy on the Same Land

April 13, 2026 By Future Farming + Energy Lab 7 min read

Solar panels raised above crops in an agrivoltaic farm

For decades, we’ve faced a false choice: use land for solar energy or for growing food. Agrivoltaics (also called solar landscaping or dual‑use solar) proves we can do both. By raising solar panels high enough to allow farming underneath – or integrating panels into greenhouses and pasture – farmers can harvest clean electricity while maintaining or even improving crop yields. This post explores how agrivoltaics works, its benefits for Australian farmers, and real‑world projects leading the way.

What Is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics (AV) is the co‑location of solar photovoltaic panels and agriculture on the same piece of land. Unlike conventional solar farms that cover the ground completely and exclude other uses, agrivoltaic systems are designed with:

Elevated panels – mounted 2–4 metres high on single‑axis trackers or fixed structures, allowing machinery and livestock to move underneath.
Wider spacing – rows of panels spaced to let sunlight reach crops.
Semi‑transparent or bifacial panels – some allow partial light transmission, ideal for shade‑tolerant crops.

The result: a single hectare can produce both solar electricity (typically 0.5–1 MW) and agricultural products like grains, vegetables, fruits, or even grazed pasture.

Key Benefits of Agrivoltaics

1. Land Use Efficiency

Australia has abundant land, but competing demands – farming, conservation, housing, and energy – are increasing. Agrivoltaics can achieve a land use efficiency of 160‑200% (i.e., producing 100% of the energy of a conventional solar farm while also producing 60‑100% of normal crop yields). This is especially valuable on prime agricultural land near cities.

2. Improved Crop Yields in Hot Climates

Many crops (e.g., lettuce, spinach, berries, some grains) suffer from heat stress when temperatures exceed 30‑35°C. Solar panels provide shade and reduce soil temperature by 5‑10°C, lowering water evaporation and protecting plants. Studies in France, Germany, and Japan have shown yield increases of 20‑50% for certain crops under agrivoltaic arrays compared to full sun.

Australian example: In a trial at the University of Western Australia, tomatoes grown under semi‑transparent solar panels produced 35% more marketable fruit and used 25% less irrigation water than open‑field controls.

3. Water Savings

Shade from panels reduces evapotranspiration, cutting irrigation needs by 15‑30%. In drought‑prone regions like South Australia and the Murray‑Darling Basin, this is a game changer. Some agrivoltaic systems also integrate rainwater harvesting from panel surfaces.

4. Extra Revenue for Farmers

Farmers can lease land to solar developers (earning $5,000‑$15,000 per hectare per year) while still farming underneath. Or they can own the solar system and sell electricity to the grid or use it on‑farm (e.g., for irrigation pumps, cold storage, or electric farm vehicles).

5. Biodiversity and Soil Health

Partial shade and reduced tillage under panels can encourage beneficial insects and soil microbes. Pollinator‑friendly native groundcovers can be planted around arrays, supporting bees and other insects essential for crops.

Design Approaches: How Agrivoltaics Is Implemented

There are several main configurations, each suited to different crops and climates:

Elevated fixed tilt – Panels mounted 2‑3m high on posts, spaced 8‑12m apart. Suitable for grazing, hay, or row crops (wheat, barley).
Single‑axis trackers – Panels that follow the sun, mounted high enough for machinery. Good for vegetable production and can increase energy yield by 20‑30%.
Greenhouse integrated – Solar panels replace a portion of greenhouse roofing, providing electricity and partial shade for high‑value crops like tomatoes, capsicums, or berries.
Vertical bifacial – Panels installed vertically in rows, like fence lines. Allow full machinery access and produce energy in morning/evening peaks. Ideal for pasture or orchards.

Real‑World Agrivoltaic Projects (Including Australia)

1. Goulburn Valley, Victoria – Sheep grazing under solar

One of Australia’s first large‑scale agrivoltaic trials, this project combines a 5 MW solar farm with sheep grazing. The panels are raised 1.8m, and sheep keep the vegetation low, reducing mowing costs. The farmer receives lease income plus premium lamb prices (solar‑grazed lamb).

2. University of Queensland – Vegetable trial

UQ’s Gatton campus hosts a research agrivoltaic array growing broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. Early results show 20‑30% higher yields under panels compared to full sun, with reduced bolting in hot weather.

3. France – TOTEM project (4.5 MW)

One of the world’s largest agrivoltaic farms, with 4.5 MW of elevated solar panels over 40 hectares of crops (cereals, vegetables). The system includes rain sensors that adjust panel tilt to let rain through when needed.

4. Japan – Solar sharing for tea and wasabi

Japan has over 3,000 agrivoltaic installations. Tea plants grown under semi‑transparent panels produce higher‑quality leaves (less direct sun reduces bitterness). Wasabi, a shade‑loving crop, thrives under solar arrays.

Challenges and Considerations

Agrivoltaics isn’t without hurdles:

Higher upfront cost – Elevated structures and trackers cost 20‑50% more than standard ground‑mount solar. However, dual‑use income (energy + agriculture) can improve overall project economics.
Compatibility with farm machinery – Row spacing must accommodate tractors, harvesters, and sprayers. This may require wider spacing, reducing energy density.
Light reduction – Some crops (e.g., wheat, sunflowers) need full sun and may not suit agrivoltaics. Others (e.g., leafy greens, berries, root vegetables) thrive with 20‑40% shade.
Regulatory complexity – Many local councils and state governments in Australia don’t yet have clear guidelines for agrivoltaic developments. Zoning, planning, and heritage approvals can be slower than for conventional solar.

Pro tip: If you’re a farmer considering agrivoltaics, start with a small pilot (1‑2 hectares). Work with an experienced solar developer and an agronomist to select the right crops and panel configuration. Check with your state’s Department of Primary Industries for any agrivoltaic demonstration grants.

The Future of Agrivoltaics in Australia

Australia has some of the best solar resources in the world, but also faces increasing drought and heat stress. Agrivoltaics offers a climate‑smart solution. The Clean Energy Council has developed draft guidelines for dual‑use solar, and several states (including Victoria and Queensland) are exploring agrivoltaic‑friendly planning frameworks.

By 2030, experts predict that 10‑20% of new solar farms in Australia could be agrivoltaic, especially on mixed‑farming properties. For rural landowners, it’s a way to diversify income, increase drought resilience, and contribute to renewable energy goals without sacrificing agricultural productivity.

Final takeaway: Agrivoltaics is not a niche concept – it’s a practical, proven approach to reconciling clean energy and food production. For Australian farmers and rural communities, it offers a path to a more resilient and profitable future. Whether you grow lettuce, graze sheep, or harvest berries, raising solar panels above your fields could be the smartest investment you make this decade.

Interested in exploring agrivoltaics? Contact your state’s agricultural extension service, visit the Clean Energy Council website for accredited installers, and search for “agrivoltaics Australia case studies” to see real farms already succeeding.