Agrivoltaics: A Promising Solution for Groundwater Conservation and Renewable Energy

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association suggests that agrivoltaics—the integration of solar energy production with agriculture—could offer an effective solution to groundwater depletion while advancing renewable energy goals.

Addressing Dual Challenges

Many rural communities face a critical dilemma: depleting groundwater reserves while simultaneously working toward renewable energy targets. Agrivoltaics on formerly irrigated agricultural land presents a potential win-win solution.

The study, "Rethinking Water Scarcity, Energy, and Agriculture: Coupling Agrivoltaics With Addressing Groundwater Depletion," examines how this integrated approach could provide both environmental and economic benefits in regions facing mandatory reductions in groundwater usage.

From Crisis to Opportunity

In areas where aquifer levels have significantly dropped due to decades of agricultural irrigation, court-mandated water restrictions often require farmland to be taken out of production. Rather than leaving this land fallow, researchers propose transitioning it to agrivoltaic sites.

"This approach can provide simultaneous benefits of reducing water use while increasing renewable energy generation on already disturbed land," the study notes.

Favorable Conditions and Challenges

Regions with high solar irradiation, flat topography, and proximity to transmission lines are particularly well-suited for agrivoltaic development. Privately owned agricultural land can often bypass lengthy environmental impact reviews, streamlining the development process.

However, significant barriers remain. Limited transmission capacity restricts how many projects can be implemented without major grid upgrades. Additionally, many landowners hesitate to enter solar contracts due to perceived financial risks or environmental liability concerns.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Income from solar leases can help offset these concerns by providing financial stability against volatile crop revenues. Interestingly, maintaining some agricultural activities beneath solar arrays—such as dryland grazing or native grass cultivation—can preserve reduced agricultural property tax rates rather than facing higher energy production tax rates.

Agrivoltaics can also address aesthetic concerns about large-scale solar installations and create opportunities for agritourism, providing additional economic benefits to rural communities.

Promising Early Results

While research on agrivoltaics in low-precipitation, non-irrigated settings remains limited, early results show promise. Drought-resistant crops like crested wheatgrass can thrive with minimal water, while solar panels improve soil moisture retention and enable rainwater harvesting in some cases.

A Coordinated Strategy

The study concludes that an integrated approach linking groundwater rights retirement, land conservation, and agrivoltaic development could transform a groundwater crisis into a clean energy opportunity for rural communities.

"Maximizing economic gains from photovoltaics and remaining agriculture can help minimize the losses from reducing groundwater use," the authors conclude.

As a real-world example, a 1.2 MW, five-acre community solar farm at Jack's Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado demonstrates the practical application of these principles in action.