A practical look at dual-use solar and what it means for Michigan agriculture
Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and solar energy on the same land so farmers can continue growing crops or raising livestock while also producing clean electricity. This dual-use approach is gaining momentum in Michigan because it supports both renewable energy goals and farmland preservation. For many farms it can provide environmental benefits and a more stable economic future.
What Agrivoltaics Means and How It Works
Agrivoltaics, sometimes called agrisolar, refers to solar photovoltaic systems that are intentionally designed to operate alongside farming. This can include crops planted under or between solar panels, livestock grazing around ground-mounted solar arrays, or pollinator habitat installations maintained beneath the panels.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/agrivoltaics-solar-and-agriculture-co-location
There are two main approaches. Some systems raise solar panels high enough to allow farm equipment to pass beneath them. Others use standard ground-mounted arrays with wider spacing so vegetation, crops, or livestock can use the land between rows.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-researchers-to-explore-viability-of-agriculture-solar-power-generation-together-in-michigan
The goal is simple. Produce food and energy at the same time while improving land productivity and long term farm viability.
Why Agrivoltaics Matters for Michigan Farms
Increasing land productivity while preserving farmland
Michigan farmers face growing pressure from solar development because solar projects often seek large, flat, accessible parcels. Agrivoltaics allows farms to take part in solar development without sacrificing agricultural activity. This is important in a state where farmland preservation remains a priority.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaics-the-best-kept-secret-in-michigan
Research shows that land used for both solar and agriculture can produce a higher combined value than either use alone. This is often described through a land equivalent ratio greater than 1.0.
https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IEA-PVPS-T13-29-2025-REPORT-Dual-Land-Use.pdf
Creating income stability for farmers
Agrivoltaics can diversify farm income. Instead of relying entirely on commodity markets or weather conditions, farmers can receive stable lease payments or compensation for managing vegetation or livestock under solar arrays.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/potential-agrivoltaics-us-solar-industry-farmers-and-communities
This additional revenue can help farms withstand price swings, poor harvests, or unexpected expenses while still supporting productive agricultural operations.
Environmental and ecological benefits
Solar arrays create shaded areas that can reduce soil evaporation and improve water retention. Some crops or grasses benefit from this moderated microclimate, especially during hot or dry periods.
https://www.nrel.gov/manufacturing/news/program/2019/benefits-of-agrivoltaics-across-the-food-energy-water-nexus
Many agrivoltaic sites also plant native or pollinator-friendly vegetation. This helps soil health, supports biodiversity, and assists nearby farms by improving pollinator activity.
https://www.nrel.gov/solar/market-research-analysis/agrivoltaics
Supporting community acceptance of solar
Solar development can create tension in rural areas when it is seen as replacing farmland. Agrivoltaics avoids that conflict by keeping land in agricultural use. In Michigan this can help build support for solar development among farmers, township leaders, and residents.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaics-the-best-kept-secret-in-michigan
Michigan Solar Partners also highlights dual-use benefits in its educational content, helping communities understand how solar can coexist with farming.
https://michigansolarpartners.com/2025/07/11/agrivoltaics-in-michigan-part-two-advanced-benefits-hidden-opportunities-and-more-on-the-big-beautiful-bill-impact/
What Research Shows About Agrivoltaics
Research at Michigan State University
Michigan State University is conducting agrivoltaics research focused on apples, row crops, forages, and livestock potential. One MSU project near Hart is testing whether orchard trees planted under solar arrays can thrive while producing power at the same time.
https://radio.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-30/farming-under-solar-panels-msu-researchers-test-a-new-model-for-michigan-agriculture
MSU Extension also publishes practical guidance for dual-use crop choices, including oats, potatoes, winter wheat, alfalfa, clover, and several herb crops.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaic-opportunities-grow-crops-in-solar-energy-systems
Lessons from national studies
National analyses suggest that agrivoltaics can improve water use efficiency, stabilize yields during heat events, and increase renewable energy output without reducing food production in many cases.
https://www.nrel.gov/news/feature/2024/lighting-the-way-for-agrivoltaics
Studies also note potential challenges including crop selection limitations, variability in shade tolerance, installation costs, and long term soil management.
https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/gateway/2024/05/ACP_Agrivoltaics-Considerations_Fact-Sheet-240507.pdf
Key Considerations and Challenges
Crop suitability differences
Not every crop thrives in partial shade. Full sun crops may show reduced yields if placed too close to solar panels. Shade tolerant crops, forage grasses, pollinator habitat, and managed livestock grazing often work best.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrivoltaics
System design matters
Panel height, spacing, mounting structure, and tracking technology influence light distribution, water patterns, and agricultural equipment access. Successful agrivoltaics requires careful planning that includes farmer input.
https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy24osti/87786.pdf
Economic and regulatory issues
Dual-use systems can cost more to install than standard solar farms. Contracts, zoning rules, soil protections, and long term land management all require clear agreements between farmers and developers.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/potential-agrivoltaics-us-solar-industry-farmers-and-communities
What Agrivoltaics Could Mean for Michigan’s Future
Michigan must expand renewable energy while preserving agricultural land. Agrivoltaics provides a strategy that supports both goals. Dual-use solar can give farmers new revenue, improve land resilience, and help communities accept solar projects more readily.
With ongoing MSU research, support from state agencies, and growing interest from farmers and developers, agrivoltaics is positioned to become an important tool in Michigan’s clean energy transition.
Michigan Solar Partners offers practical guidance for residents and landowners considering solar and provides community education on how dual-use solar can benefit Michigan’s energy and agricultural landscape.
https://michigansolarpartners.com
Sources
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/agrivoltaics-solar-and-agriculture-co-location
https://www.nrel.gov/solar/market-research-analysis/agrivoltaics
https://www.nrel.gov/news/feature/2024/lighting-the-way-for-agrivoltaics
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaics-the-best-kept-secret-in-michigan
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaic-opportunities-grow-crops-in-solar-energy-systems
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-researchers-to-explore-viability-of-agriculture-solar-power-generation-together-in-michigan
https://radio.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-30/farming-under-solar-panels-msu-researchers-test-a-new-model-for-michigan-agriculture
https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/gateway/2024/05/ACP_Agrivoltaics-Considerations_Fact-Sheet-240507.pdf
https://michigansolarpartners.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all crops be grown under solar panels?
No. Some crops need full sunlight. Shade tolerant crops, forages, or pollinator-friendly vegetation usually work better. System design influences performance.
Does agrivoltaics require special solar equipment?
Some systems use raised or spaced panels to allow machinery or grazing access. Design depends on the agricultural activity planned for the site.
Does agrivoltaics improve water use?
Solar panels create partial shade that can reduce evaporation and improve water retention in soil. Research shows this can help crops during heat waves or dry periods.
Can livestock graze under solar arrays?
Yes. Sheep grazing is the most common option and can help reduce vegetation management costs for solar operators.
Is agrivoltaics practical for Michigan farms?
Yes. With careful design and crop selection, agrivoltaics can support Michigan agriculture while expanding clean energy.
