How is Ohio Paving the Way for Agrivoltaics Research?
Ohio's widespread farmland has become a popular testing ground for agrivoltaics research. Learn more about innovative research projects, like Madison Fields Solar Project and Oak Run Solar Farm and how agrivoltaics research could reshape the renewable energy landscape.
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Key Takeaways
Nearly 89.2% of Ohio’s land area is classified as rural, giving the state a natural advantage in agrivoltaics research. By combining solar energy production with traditional farming methods, researchers are developing smarter strategies to support Ohio’s agricultural industry. Agrivoltaics improve land efficiency, crop resilience, and support a more reliable power grid at the same time. Ohio is quickly becoming a leader in agrivoltaics farming, offering a glimpse into how this technology could transform rural communities nationwide. Promising agrivoltaics research underscores how these projects can help improve rural economies, help farms become more profitable, and provide greater access to sustainable energy in underserved communities.
- Ohio widespread farmland has become the perfect testing ground for agrivoltaics research.
- Agrivoltaics is the practice of pairing agricultural operations with solar power generation.
- Madison Fields Solar Project in Madison County, Ohio, is the largest agrivoltaics research facility in the U.S.
- Due to its promising research, Madison County is investing in an even larger agrivoltaics farm, the Oak Run Solar Project.
What Are Agrivoltaics, Exactly?
Agrivoltaics is the process of using solar panel technology on the same land used for farming. This dual-use approach allows farmers to maximize their land efficiency by cultivating crops and raising livestock while simultaneously producing renewable energy.
Not only do solar panels and battery storage create an additional revenue stream for farmers, but they also provide shade to delicate crops and grazing animals to protect them from extreme weather. States with large rural populations, like Ohio, can take advantage of this innovative approach to improve both energy reliability and food security within their communities.
Why Do Utility-Scale Agrivoltaics Matter?
Utility-scale agrivoltaics differ from smaller solar farms and rooftop installations because of their sheer size and integrated design. Most utility-scale operations include large acreage for active farming operations with a full commercial-scale solar array ranging from tens to hundreds of MW in capacity and battery storage.
Nationwide, the number of small to midsize farms has been slowly declining, falling from 2.04 million farms in 2017 to 1.88 million in 2024. With the average U.S. farm at around 440 acres, utility-scale agrivoltaics provide a vital lifeline and secondary income for farmers. By reducing the risk of single-crop incomes and combining land use, large-scale agrivoltaics can offer a scalable path to stabilizing farm operations while providing clean energy to their communities.
Key Takeaway: As Ohio continues to expand agrivoltaics research, it represents a forward-thinking way to protect farmland, empower farmers, and ensure that rural communities have access to affordable, reliable power.
Inside Ohio’s Groundbreaking Agrivoltaics Research
Ohio’s agrivoltaics projects operate as real-world laboratories, testing practical solutions for pairing renewable energy with farm productivity. As a research agrivoltaics farm, Madison Fields is exploring new ways to grow crops, improve soil health, and boost overall farming efficiency. This research is paving the way for even bigger projects, such as the upcoming Oak Run Solar Farm.
Madison Fields Solar Project
Ohio’s Madison Fields project is one of the largest testing grounds for agrivoltaics research in North America. Based in Madison County, Ohio, this agrivoltaics project began operations in mid-2024 with 180 MW of solar capacity and 400,000 solar panels. Madison Fields already has active plots of crops, including hay, alfalfa, and soybeans, as well as test plots to experiment with different crops or grazing animals.
The $1 billion project was funded by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) through air quality revenue bonds and a Department of Energy grant awarded to Ohio State University for agrivoltaic research.
Ohio State University Research & Early Results
Research at Madison Fields is focused on crop performance in shaded versus unshaded areas. Other tests are focused on monitoring soil health over time, grazing compatibility with a variety of forage crops and animals, and farm equipment accessibility. Ohio State University is collecting and analyzing data from multiple seasons to establish best practices for other utility-scale agrivoltaics projects across the nation.
What’s Next? Oak Run Solar Farm
With the promising success of the Madison Fields solar project, Madison County is investing in an even larger commercial agrivoltaics farm, the Oak Run Solar Project. In March 2024, the Ohio Power Siting Board authorized the Oak Run Solar Project, allowing it to construct up to 800 MW of solar generation, 300 MW of battery storage, and two 3.5-mile transmission lines.
Once completed, Oak Run will power the townships of Monroe, Somerford, and Deercreek. Additionally, this project is expected to generate $8.2 million in annual revenue for local governments and schools, as well as adding over 1,500 construction and maintenance jobs across Madison County.
What Are the Benefits of Utility-Scale Agrivoltaics?
What Are the Challenges of Utility-Scale Agrivoltaics?
Powering a More Sustainable Future for Rural Communities
Agrivoltaics have the potential to transform both Ohio’s agricultural and energy industries, creating stronger, more resilient rural communities. Continued research, innovation, and collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers will be the key to realizing this technology’s full potential. As agrivoltaics farming expands nationwide, it paves the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrivoltaic Farming Projects
Which industries benefit most from agrivoltaics projects?
Agrivoltaics benefit industries like farming, wineries, and livestock ranching by maximizing land use and improving long-term efficiency. A similar approach to dual-use systems can also be adapted for rooftop solar projects on large commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, parking structures, and shopping centers to reduce costs and foster energy independence.
How are agrivoltaics different from traditional solar farms?
Unlike traditional solar farms that dedicate land solely to energy production, agrivoltaics combine solar power with active farming practices. This dual approach allows farmers to generate clean power while maintaining productive farmland through crop cultivation or livestock grazing.
Are there financial incentives or grants available for agrivoltaics in Ohio?
Yes! Agrivoltaic projects in Ohio may qualify for federal and state incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) or Production Tax Credit (PTC). You can also explore local net metering programs through your utility provider or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to explore additional funding opportunities.
How long does it take to develop a utility-scale agrivoltaics project?
A utility-scale agrivoltaics project typically takes three to five years to complete, depending on factors like planning, permitting, siting, and installation. Many farmers are choosing a phased approach to installation to minimize disruption to their harvesting schedules.
How does weather affect agrivoltaics performance in Ohio?
Ohio’s mix of sunny summers and cloudy winters influences both solar energy production and crop performance. However, agrivoltaic systems are designed to balance light exposure and temperature, helping crops thrive even during heatwaves or dry periods.
How does agrivoltaics compare to other renewable energy solutions in Ohio?
Agrivoltaics stand out by generating clean energy without sacrificing farmland, offering a sustainable option that can help revitalize Ohio’s agricultural industry. By combining food and energy production, it creates more resilient rural economies than single-use renewable projects can provide.
What are the best crops for agrivoltaics projects?
Shade-tolerant plants such as leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, root vegetables, and berries thrive best under solar panels. In contrast, full-sun or tall crops like corn, sunflowers, and fruit trees are less compatible with agrivoltaic systems.
How does agrivoltaics research support food security in rural communities?
Agrivoltaics research helps reduce crop loss and improve harvest consistency by protecting plants from heat and drought stress. This dual-use model strengthens food security while giving farmers a steady income stream from renewable energy production.
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Makena Piepsny
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