A new guidebook is empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy.
The Agrivoltaics Handbook is now available, and acts as a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs. It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from EnergyCo.
EnergyCo CEO, Hannah McCaughey, said Farmers that host projects are crucial to the success of REZs.
“Having more practical information available on the opportunities and benefits empowers host communities and shows compatibility between renewables and our important agricultural industries,” she said.
The handbook includes:
- Information for landowners wanting to graze sheep or cattle within solar farms, and/or grow crops and horticulture under solar panels
- Guidelines for how developers can incorporate farming into solar systems
- Comprehensive checklists of consideration in planning an agrisolar development
EnergyCo said the handbook expands the information available and guides leading industry practices as it works with regional communities within renewable energy zones (REZ) to deliver a modern electricity grid for New South Wales.
Benefits for landowners already implementing this two-in-one solution include diversified income streams, shading for stock, heat and hail protection, and vegetation management.
Farm Renewables Consulting Director, Karin Stark, said that early engagement with landowners is important when shaping how renewable energy projects can coexist with farmland.
“The Handbook comprehensively guides landowners and developers from planning and design, all the way through to maintenance,” Ms Stark said.
The guide will be available on the EnergyCo website.
