Fact Sheet

Agrivoltaics

June 25, 2026

Region

National

Related Issues

Energy, Land

NCEL Point of Contact

Ava Gallo
Climate and Energy Program Manager

Contact
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Overview

Agrivoltaics — pairing solar energy generation and agriculture on the same land — is emerging as a strategy for states to expand clean energy while supporting working lands and local economies. Agricultural land accounts for roughly 43% of the total land used in the lower 48 states. By combining renewable energy with agricultural operations, agrivoltaics can diversify farm income, improve land efficiency, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to successful farmland conversion. As electricity demand grows and states pursue clean energy goals, states are adopting a range of approaches to support agrivoltaics.

Key Points

Key Point 1

Agrivoltaic systems can reduce water requirements for crops by 40% while increasing overall farm productivity by up to 30%. (Environmental Defense Fund)

Key Point 2

Converting less than 1% of U.S. agricultural land to agrivoltaics could meet 20% of the country’s energy needs. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Key Point 3

Sheep raised in an agrivoltaic project produce roughly 25% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally grazed sheep. (Kleinman Center for Energy Policy)

Policy Options

 ‘**’ indicates bipartisan sponsorship

**Colorado SB23-092 (Enacted 2023): Authorizes (1) the integration of solar energy generation facilities with agricultural activities and (2) grants for agrivoltaics research and development.

Maryland H.B.1039 (Enacted 2022): Exempts agrivoltaics from personal property taxes.

**Nevada A.B.479 (Enacted 2025): Updates property tax laws to recognize agrivoltaic purposes as a qualifying use under agricultural property tax assessment.

**Oklahoma H.B.2157 (Passed 2025): Would establish (1) an advisory committee on agrivoltaic policies and (2) the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Cash Revolving Fund to finance projects.

**Virginia HB508/SB340 (Enacted 2026): Establishes a statewide definition of agrivoltaics that defines agrivoltaics as solar development that (1) supports ongoing agricultural production, (2) keeps land in active use, and (3) allows existing farm businesses to continue selling agricultural products.

Resources

NCEL Resources

Online Resources

Smart Solar | American Farmland Trust

American Farmland Trust's webpage on farm viability and healthy soil through solar.

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Solar Grazing Checklist for Shepherds and Solar Site Managers | American Solar Grazing Association

American Solar Grazing Association's checklist for agrivoltaics.

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How Solar Projects and Agriculture Can Share the Same Land | Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA)

REFA's webpage on colocating solar and agricultural projects.

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Farmer's Guide to Going Solar | U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Energy's webpage on solar deployment for farmers.

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How Solar and Wind Leases Compare to Traditional Farming Returns | REFA

REFA's webpage on renewable energy leases for farms.

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