During this month’s webinar, we heard from Dave Specca, Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program Lead, to hear an update on their ongoing research in New Jersey. Dave shared results from the first year’s crop trials for hay, soybean, and vegetable crops. He also shared initial findings from another one of Rutgers’ studies on how vertical bi-facial panels impact pasture production and beef cow grazing patterns. 

Dave covered why agrivoltaics is important, and how it’s a significant advancement in sustainable land use, combining solar energy production with agricultural activities. Agrivoltaics preserves agricultural land and prevents a complete loss of farmland to solar development by enabling continued farming beneath and between solar panels. Additionally, it addresses climate goals by supporting clean energy targets while maintaining food production capacity. Agrivoltaics maximizes the productivity of available land, particularly important in land-constrained regions like New Jersey, where Dave’s research takes place.

The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program is conducting comprehensive field trials across New Jersey. The research team is led by Dave, and they work with three major New Jersey utilities. Additionally, the team collaborates with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and engages with stakeholders such as farmers, solar developers, and landowners.

Rutgers has established three distinct research sites representing different agricultural contexts. In South Jersey is a 255kW system testing vegetable crops and soybeans in a traditional farming region. In Northwestern New Jersey is a 95kW system evaluating hay production in a hilly region where hay and cattle predominate. Finally, in New Brunswick is the animal farm, testing vertical bifacial panels with cattle grazing using different panel heights and spacing configurations.

Rutgers University’s research demonstrates promising results across multiple agricultural systems. Single-wide solar panel configurations increased soybean yields during drought conditions, while tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant showed variable yields depending on panel configuration and bed placement. There was no significant difference in hay yields between control plots and solar areas, and potential benefits can be seen during dry periods. Cattle adapted quickly to grazing among vertical bifacial panels with appropriate protective measures.

Timing significantly impacts the performance and benefits of agrivoltaic systems. During drought conditions, shade from the panels appeared to benefit certain crops by reducing water stress. The system gives the potential for extending growing seasons by moderating temperature extremes. Initial research suggests sustainable business models are possible with appropriate system design.

Several challenges must be addressed as agrivoltaic research advances. Effective strategies for managing vegetation and controlling weeds between panel posts must be developed. Identifying configurations that minimize additional expenses while maximizing agricultural productivity and ensuring efficient operation of farm machinery would be beneficial. Additionally, research can be done to address limitations in rural electric infrastructure that restrict project size.