INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana farmers and solar developers are increasingly experimenting with ways to combine electricity generation and agriculture as large-scale solar projects expand across the state.
Some solar installations now incorporate sheep, pigs and chickens, allowing livestock to graze beneath panels while vegetation provides ground cover. At one of the world’s largest solar farms, thousands of sheep are used to control vegetation, replacing conventional mowing crews while benefiting from the panels’ shade.
The approach, known as agrivoltaics, also is drawing interest from farmers seeking more predictable income. Solar leases can provide steadier revenue than crops subject to changing commodity prices, while agricultural uses may allow landowners to continue producing food on portions of solar sites.
In southwestern Indiana, growers are examining whether crops such as melons could benefit from panel shade. However, crop rotation, equipment access and field layouts could require significant changes. Raising panels high enough to accommodate livestock or farm machinery also can increase construction costs.
The expansion is not without opposition. Some rural residents question the use of agricultural land for projects that may send electricity to distant population centers, particularly in communities that have experienced power outages. Counties that restrict solar development also can lose potential jobs and economic activity, while manufacturers increasingly seek locations with dependable renewable energy.
Researchers are studying solar-powered microgrids as another potential benefit, particularly for keeping rural communities powered during emergencies.
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