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University of Arizona researcher Greg Barron-Gafford shared insights into the impressive results of integrating agriculture with solar energy in the Tucson desert, noting, “We were getting basil leaves the size of your palm.” His study on agrivoltaics, which combines solar arrays with active farmland, has lasted over a decade.
Agrivoltaics allows for the cultivation of crops and pollinator-friendly vegetation under solar panels, sometimes alongside grazing livestock. Despite being a relatively novel approach, current data indicates that at least 604 agrivoltaic sites have been established in the United States, according to OpenEI.
Experts like Barron-Gafford propose that aside from generating carbon-free electricity, agrivoltaics may provide a critical benefit to agriculture in the increasingly hot and arid Southwestern region. The shade provided by these installations can reduce both irrigation requirements and heat stress on crops. Notably, the cooling effects from the plants growing beneath the solar panels may enhance the efficiency of the energy generation process.
However, this innovative practice faces hurdles, including resistance from some farmers and challenges in securing adequate funding.
Addressing Climate Challenges
The pursuit of renewable energy through solar power is often presented as a key strategy to mitigate carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Yet, Barron-Gafford points out that the rising temperatures resulting from climate change can hinder the performance of solar panels. He noted that panels operate optimally at around 75° Fahrenheit, and efficiency declines with increasing heat.
This situation is particularly pressing in the Southwest, where temperatures have consistently risen. In fact, Tucson recorded an unprecedented 112 days of triple-digit temperatures in 2024, as reported by the National Weather Service. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicates that every area in the Southwest has experienced higher average temperatures from 2000 to 2023 compared to historical data spanning from 1895 to 2023.
