Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 8/14/19

Here's your word of the day: agrivoltaics, the practice of co-developing land for both agricultural and solar power production. U.S. croplands boast ample sunlight, low humidity and moderate winds and temperatures — perfect conditions for harvesting solar energy, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports that highlights the potential for agrivoltaic systems, Arren reports.

The findings raise a pair of potential implications: One possibility is that land-intensive solar uses will increasingly compete with agriculture for available acres. That competition has already manifested in conflicts between the two industries, and some states have adopted rules establishing boundaries on the use of valuable farmland for gathering solar energy.

On the other hand, crop growers could see financial benefits from developing agrivoltaic systems that could help power their farm operations. "I think the economics is going to incentivize it," said Chad Higgins, an associate professor at Oregon State University who co-authored the study.

How it works: Higgins said agrivoltaic systems are already being tested (mostly in research settings) on small plots of land where the topsoil is left intact and produce is grown in the shade of raised solar panels, leaving room to operate farm equipment. The caveat, of course, is that many crops won't fare well in the shade.