Utility-scale solar expansion on cropland in the US Midwest is sparking opposition and interest in agrivoltaics — integrating solar panels with crop production. This approach raises key questions about trade-offs between land-sparing (monofunctional) and land-sharing (agrivoltaics) strategies. We explore the opportunities and challenges for farmers and solar developers, assess impacts on land conservation and the costs of meeting food and energy demands, and outline policy and market changes needed for adoption. Agrivoltaics could enhance social acceptance of solar on cropland, easing land-use conflicts while supporting renewable energy goals.
Paul Mwebaze is a research economist and project manager of SCAPES at the Institute of Sustainability, Energy and Environment (ISEE) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. He researches the economics of using land for food and energy production.
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