# Agrivoltaics: The Future of Solar and Sustainable Farming
The solar industry continues to grow rapidly, and with it comes an increasing demand for land to host large-scale solar projects. According to the American Farmland Trust, up to 83% of new solar development in the U.S. by 2040 may take place on farmland and ranchland. While this presents challenges for preserving agricultural land, it also creates an opportunity to combine solar with farming through **agrivoltaics**.
## What is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating **solar panels for your home** or farm with agricultural production. Instead of replacing farmland with solar infrastructure, agrivoltaics enables crops, livestock, or other farming activities to exist alongside solar energy generation.
This can be achieved by designing solar arrays with raised structures to allow space for farming equipment and animals or by placing solar panels in a way that maintains farming operations. By combining farming and solar energy production, agrivoltaics ensures that land remains productive while contributing to sustainable, emissions-free energy.
## The Benefits of Agrivoltaics
Several studies highlight the advantages of agrivoltaics, particularly in sunny and arid climates. Research from the University
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/03/05/american-farmland-trust-makes-policy-recommendations-for-agrivoltaics/
