Agrivoltaics: A Win-Win Strategy Against Climate Change

A new study reveals that combining solar power generation with agriculture significantly boosts crop yields, conserves water, and generates low-carbon electricity for climate-vulnerable regions. This method, known as agrivoltaics, creates a microclimate by shading crops with solar panels, enabling plants like beans and maize to thrive with less irrigation. Agrivoltaics also provides clean energy for rural communities, addressing food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy poverty. The research found that partial shade reduces water evaporation, improving water use efficiency, and allows for rainwater harvesting to supplement irrigation.