Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) offers New Zealand farmers a smart way to boost land productivity by combining solar power generation with traditional agriculture, all on the same land. Integrating solar panels with crops or grazing systems can enhance yields, promote animal welfare, and create dual-income opportunities without compromising valuable farmland.
What is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics is the combination of agriculture and solar energy generation, using the same parcel of land for both food production and renewable energy. In practice, it means installing solar arrays above pasture, crops, or livestock areas, creating a microclimate that benefits both plants and animals. This approach supports New Zealand’s transition to 100% renewable electricity through using the best solar panels in NZ while keeping farming operations productive.
Key Benefits for Farmers
- Land Use Efficiency: Utilising a single field for both farming and solar energy can increase land productivity by up to 186%, providing a dual income stream without compromising space for crops or livestock.
- Improved Crop and Soil Health: Solar panels provide shade, reduce heat stress on crops, and can help soil retain moisture, potentially raising yields and improving crop quality.
- Animal Welfare: Livestock benefit from cooler areas under panels, especially in hot weather, leading to improved well-being and productivity.
- Economic Diversification: The ability to sell power to the grid while maintaining farming operations helps farmers manage risk and adds revenue stability.
- Climate Resilience: Agrivoltaics shields crops from extremes, helps conserve water, and supports New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets.
Emerging Opportunities in New Zealand
Recent pilot projects in regions such as Canterbury and Auckland are already demonstrating how solar and farming can work in tandem. Sheep and cattle can safely graze under raised panels, while research is exploring which crops thrive best in these new microclimates. With new government goals and incentives for renewable energy, farmers have even more reason to consider agrivoltaics.
A notable example of this progress is highlighted in the Agrivoltaics in Aotearoa New Zealand Farm Systems Report (2023), which provides detailed modelling on how hybrid farming-and-solar systems can improve land productivity, strengthen resilience, and increase energy self-sufficiency.
Considerations Before You Start
- System Design: The panel height, spacing, and orientation must suit the needs of grazing animals or crop machinery access.
- Investment and Returns: Costs are higher for elevated or mobile panels, but gains in productivity and power sales may offset these.
- Site Suitability: Not all locations or farm types are ideal. Sunlight, soil type, and the mix of crops and livestock are key factors in successful integration.
- Compliance and Partnerships: Collaborate with experienced solar providers and understanding regulatory requirements, whether be it for residential or commercial & industrial solar applications.
Why Choose Agrivoltaics with AA Solar
AA Solar offers tailored agrivoltaics solutions, helping farmers design solar projects that boost both farm productivity and energy output. By partnering with AA Solar, farmers gain access to the latest industry expertise, quality solar technology, and advice on how to future-proof their agribusiness by installing renewable energy systems.
Ready to explore agrivoltaics for your farm?
Agrivoltaics offers New Zealand farmers a practical path to greater efficiency and sustainability. In fact, combining solar energy with productive farmland can effectively generate reliable power while supporting livestock and crop growth.
To discuss installing renewable energy systems designed for New Zealand farming success, contact AA Solar today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of the things that you need to know about the art of Agrivoltaics.
Are solar panels worth it?
Yes. Farmers can integrate solar panels to reduce electricity costs, power irrigation, and support sustainable, low-maintenance farm operations with accredited solar installers.
What is Agrivoltaics, and how do solar panels work in agriculture?
Agrivoltaics is a system where solar panels are installed on farmland to generate renewable energy while allowing farming activities to continue underneath or around the panels.
Can solar panels and renewable energy systems help New Zealand farmers increase income?
Yes, agrivoltaic setups can provide farmers with a secondary income stream in addition to traditional crop or livestock farming.
Are New Zealand’s current renewable energy policies supportive of agrivoltaics systems?
New Zealand aims for 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, with agrivoltaics seen as a way to meet this goal while upholding productive agricultural land.
Do solar panel installations require modifications to existing renewable energy systems on the farm?
Yes, integrating agrivoltaics often requires custom mounting structures and solar array layouts to balance energy generation and agricultural productivity, and may require grid connection upgrades in rural areas.
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