In the Southwest, solar panels in can help both photovoltaics and crops

In the harsh environment of the Tucson desert, innovative research is showing the potential of combining agriculture with solar energy. University of Arizona researcher Greg Barron-Gafford shared insights from his 12-year study on agrivoltaics—an approach that integrates solar panels with active farmland. Under this method, crops, including pollinator-friendly plants, are cultivated beneath solar arrays, sometimes even allowing livestock to graze in the shaded areas. This relatively new agricultural practice has already seen the establishment of over 600 agrivoltaic sites across the United States, as reported by OpenEI. Barron-Gafford believes that beyond producing clean electricity, agrivoltaics could play a crucial role in supporting farming in the increasingly hot and arid Southwest. The shade provided by solar panels can significantly reduce irrigation requirements and mitigate heat stress on plants. Interestingly, the cooling effects of the vegetation can enhance the efficiency of the solar panels themselves. However, there are hurdles to overcome, including skepticism among some farmers and challenges in securing funding. While solar energy is frequently highlighted as a key solution to curtail carbon emissions driving climate change, the effects of rising temperatures present a unique challenge for solar efficiency. Barron-Gafford points out that solar panels perform optimally at around 75°F; any increase in temperature can hinder their effectiveness. This challenge is particularly pressing in the Southwest, where temperatures have been rising consistently. For example, Tucson recorded an unprecedented 112 days of temperatures exceeding 100°F in 2024, according to the National Weather Service. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has noted that every region in the Southwest has experienced higher average temperatures from 2000 to 2023 compared to the historical averages from 1895 to 2023. As the climate continues to warm, the dual challenge of maximizing renewable energy while sustaining agricultural productivity becomes ever more critical.