New Agrivoltaic Solutions Keep Bubbling Up Across The US

The article highlights the growing momentum of agrivoltaics in the United States, showcasing its transition from experimental projects to a robust industry that supports both agriculture and renewable energy generation. Agrivoltaics, also known as solar farming or dual-use solar, integrates solar panels with farming activities, allowing farmers to generate electricity while continuing crop production. This approach not only provides additional revenue streams or energy cost savings for farmers but also supports ecosystem services such as pollinator habitats and soil restoration, contributing to land conservation and sustainable agriculture. The North American Agrivoltaics Awards (NAAA) program exemplifies this maturation by recognizing innovative projects that address regional challenges, climate change, and food insecurity. The 2025 NAAA program awarded two notable projects: Rutgers University’s agrivoltaic research farms in New Jersey and the Spaces of Opportunity community farm in South Phoenix, Arizona. Rutgers operates multiple research farms to study how solar installations can coexist with various crops and livestock, influencing statewide policy and supporting New Jersey’s Dual