Agrivoltaics
The practice of co-locating agricultural activity (crops, grazing, pollinator habitat) with solar panel installations. Panels provide shade and reduce water evaporation; agriculture maintains land productivity.
Why It Matters
Agrivoltaics addresses concerns about solar farms consuming farmland. Studies show certain crops (lettuce, berries, herbs) produce higher yields under partial shade from solar panels.
Related Terms
Community Solar
A shared solar installation where multiple customers receive credits on their utility bills for their share of production.
Utility-Scale Solar
Large solar installations (typically 1 MW to 1 GW+) that sell electricity on the wholesale market or to utilities through power purchase agreements.
Land-Use Intensity
The area of land required per unit of energy produced, measured in acres per MW or square meters per kW. Solar farms need about 5-7 acres per MW; wind farms need 30-60 acres per MW (but most land remains usable).