Which crops work under solar panels?

Best: lettuce, spinach, berries, herbs, mushrooms (shade-tolerant). Good: potatoes, beans, peas (partial shade). Poor: wheat, corn, sunflowers (need full sun). Livestock grazing (sheep) works excellently between ground-level panels.

Is this available for UK farmers now?

Trial-stage — a few commercial installations exist. For farmers interested: contact the Agri-Voltaics Research Group (ARG) or Solar Energy UK. Government grants may become available as the sector develops.

Does it affect planning permission?

Currently treated as standard solar farm planning (change of use). The dual-use argument may reduce planning objections — a key advantage over conventional solar farms that 'take' agricultural land.

Agri-Voltaics UK

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|educational

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Agri-voltaics: elevated solar panels with crops growing underneath. Land dual-use.

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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).

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump installation process

Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide