Solar & Salad? Why New York’s $7M Bet on “Agrivoltaics” is a Game-Changer

As New York accelerates its clean energy transition, agrivoltaics—the dual use of land for solar energy production and agriculture—is emerging as a true game-changer. For years, landowners and policymakers debated whether farmland should be used for food or for clean energy. Today, agrivoltaics proves that solar & farming can thrive together.

New York State’s $7 million investment in agrivoltaic projects sends a strong signal: the future of solar is not limited to rooftops or remote land—it belongs at the heart of productive agricultural landscapes. This approach aligns perfectly with responsible solar development, protecting farmland while advancing renewable energy goals.

This article explores what agrivoltaics is, why New York is betting big on it, the challenges involved, and how this model is shaping a more sustainable future for farmers, landowners, and communities.

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What Is Agrivoltaics?

Agrivoltaics is the practice of co-locating solar energy systems with agricultural activity on the same land. Instead of traditional ground-mounted panels that limit land use, agrivoltaic systems are designed to work with farming operations.

Solar panels are elevated, spaced strategically, or mounted on tracking systems so crops can grow beneath them or livestock can graze around them. The land continues to produce food—while also generating clean electricity.

Key Components of Agrivoltaic Systems

• Elevated Solar Panels
  Panels are installed high enough to allow farm machinery, crops, or livestock underneath.
• Crop & Livestock Integration
  Shade-tolerant crops like leafy greens, berries, and forage grasses often perform well. Livestock such as cattle, sheep, and poultry benefit from shaded grazing areas.
• Optimized Land Use
  Agrivoltaics increases land productivity by allowing two essential outputs—food and energy—from one parcel of land, which is especially valuable in states like New York where farmland is limited.

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Why New York Is Betting on Agrivoltaics

New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) mandates that the state generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Agrivoltaics plays a crucial role in achieving this goal without sacrificing agricultural land.

Key reasons New York is investing in agrivoltaics include:

• Boosting Solar Adoption for Farmers
  Farmers gain stable, long-term revenue through solar leases while continuing agricultural production.
• Preserving Farmland
  Dual-use solar prevents fertile land from being permanently converted to non-agricultural development.
• Improving Agricultural Resilience
  Partial shade from solar panels can reduce heat stress, improve soil moisture retention, and lower irrigation needs.

Case Study: Cornell University’s Agrivoltaic Pilot

Cornell University is leading agrivoltaic research in New York through long-term pilot projects. Early findings suggest that co-locating solar and crops can increase overall land productivity by up to 60% compared to using land solely for farming or solar generation.

Research also explores how solar panels can protect orchards from hail and frost, and how different panel configurations affect crop yields—insights that will guide best practices nationwide.

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Challenges and Solutions

While agrivoltaics offers immense promise, implementation does come with challenges.

High Initial Costs

Agrivoltaic systems often require custom racking and engineering, making upfront costs higher than traditional solar.

Solution:
State and federal incentives—such as NYSERDA grants and clean energy funding programs—help offset these costs and improve project feasibility.

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Technical Adaptations

Standard solar layouts may interfere with farm equipment or crop cycles.

Solution:
Customized solar designs allow sufficient clearance for tractors, irrigation systems, and livestock movement while maintaining optimal energy production.

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Regulatory Barriers

Zoning laws and permitting processes are not always designed for dual-use solar projects.

Solution:
New York is actively modernizing zoning frameworks and solar guidelines to better support agrivoltaic development.

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The Future of Agrivoltaics in NY

With strong policy backing and continued research, New York is positioned to become a national leader in agrivoltaics. Several trends will shape the future of solar & farming integration:

• Community Solar Gardens
  Agrivoltaic community solar projects can provide clean energy to local residents while keeping farmland productive.
• AI-Driven Optimization
  Sensors and smart tracking systems can adjust panel angles to balance crop sunlight needs with energy generation.
• Expanded Policy Incentives
  Tax credits and performance-based incentives for farmers adopting agrivoltaics are expected to grow.

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Conclusion

Agrivoltaics represents a powerful shift from the outdated debate of “solar vs. farming” to a smarter model of “solar and farming.” By integrating solar panels with agriculture, New York can meet its renewable energy goals, support rural economies, and preserve valuable farmland.

As technology advances and policies evolve, solar & salad may become the gold standard for sustainable land use—not just in New York, but nationwide.

Are you a landowner curious about the possibilities for your property? Contact One Place Solar today for a consultation. Let’s explore how you can be a part of this agricultural and energy revolution.