Agri-Voltaics UK

What is agri-voltaics?

Agri-voltaics (also called agrivoltaics or agri-PV) combines solar panels and agriculture on the same land: CONCEPT: Elevated solar panels (3-5m high) allow crops, grazing, or horticulture underneath. The land serves dual purpose — food AND energy production. UK STATUS: Emerging — several trial sites (Cambridge, Somerset, Yorkshire). Government interest growing. Commercial deployments expected 2027-2030. BENEFITS: (1) No agricultural land 'lost' to solar. (2) Shade-tolerant crops (berries, salad, herbs) may actually yield MORE under partial shade. (3) Livestock can graze between/under panels. (4) Reduces farmer opposition to solar farms. ECONOMICS: Higher installation cost (elevated frames) but dual land income. Typical: £800-£1,200/acre/year from solar + continued farming income. Panels: 50-70% of a standard solar farm's output (some shading of each other).