Responsible and sustainable land use is essential to the development and operation of solar projects. Our asset teams have a deep understanding of the long-term impacts of land use and ensure that while we harness clean energy, we also preserve the land’s future usability for generations to come. However, we don’t need to wait to implement these innovative, sustainable land management practices. We are developing best practices in solar farm management by implementing agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics.
Ecovoltaics is a practice that considers all environmental and ecological benefits in solar energy production and agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating agricultural activities with solar energy production. While these practices are in their early stages, they are already showing promising results. These approaches not only optimize the use of land but also enhances its sustainability and biodiversity.
Agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics overview
By incorporating agrivoltaics and ecovoltaic practices into solar farm development, we can optimize sustainable land use to support biodiversity and local agriculture. From livestock grazing to planting pollinator-friendly habitats, here are a few key practices.
Agrivoltaics: Combining agriculture and energy production
Sheep grazing
Our Anson Solar site in Texas has integrated sheep grazing, which has led to better land management, reduced mowing costs, and enhanced vegetation health. Sheep grazing promotes soil health by naturally fertilizing the land and preventing soil erosion, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project.
Mowing can be incredibly expensive, so using sheep for vegetation management can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Per acre, mowing costs are typically almost double the amount of sheep costs annually. Additionally, the solar panels create shade and temporary shelter for the animals, so they can be protected from the elements as they do their hard work.
Cattle grazing
Integrating cattle grazing without changing pile heights (steel beams that are drilled into the ground and support the racking system that attach to the panels) can be another cost-effective solution. Keeping pile heights the same is a newer concept. While the more common thought is that companies do need to raise pile heights, ENGIE is working with a company who has maintained current pile height with success. To limit steel costs, we will continue to explore this as an option for the future.
Landowners regularly ask to incorporate cattle grazing onto our sites, so this provides an opportunity to not only integrate agrivoltaics but also to collaborate with our key stakeholders. This practice has been successful in other regions and is being considered for our future projects to further enhance land use and sustainability.
Ecovoltaics: A holistic approach
When solar projects put ecosystems first, they contribute to environmental protection and biodiversity. Ecovoltaics is an umbrella term encompassing all nature-based solutions integrated into photovoltaic systems. This holistic approach to clean energy development ensures that projects are sustainable and beneficial both the environment and the community.
From the way water falls off solar panels to how the shade cools the grass underneath, many facets of solar energy production lead to environmental benefits. Micro-climates can exist underneath panels that attract insects which improve the pollination of nearby crops; and a diverse mix of native plants decreases erosion, nourishes the soil, and increases intake of carbon (CO2).
Our Ramsey Renewable Station project was recognized by the New York Times for its integration of best practices that promote biodiversity. In a world where North American birds are down almost 30 percent since 1970, 73 species of birds were documented at our Ramsey site — presumably attracted by the buffet of seeds and insects. Some build nests in the structures supporting the panels.
It is critical to take an intentional approach to integrating agrivoltaics into any site. Consideration should be given to how each facet of the land may relate to each other, and how the land will be sustainably maintained over time. For example, by establishing vegetation that is tailored to our individual sites before introducing sheep for grazing, we can ensure that the land is managed sustainably and efficiently.
Pollinator habitats
Pollinator habitats are another significant aspect of ecovoltaics. Incorporating native plants, which pollinators are attracted to, increases the likelihood of plant pollination — supporting biodiversity and improving ecosystems. By providing essential resources for the pollinators, these habitats improve crop yields and enhance the resilience of local agriculture.
Working with local vegetation experts to create pollinator habitats is key. We collaborate with experts who understand the local vegetation to integrate native plants into our seed mixes on our sites. This provides essential habitats for our pollinators such as bees, insects, butterflies, and other species which are crucial for our ecosystem
At our Sun Valley Solar project, we collaborate with a local beekeeper (who keeps the honey) to establish pollinator habitats, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. The organization BeeOdiversity works with us to analyze pollen from the bees to understand which plants the bees are visiting. This can help predict future successful biodiversity and seed growth.
Community involvement
Community involvement is also a key component of successful agrivoltaics projects. Engaging landowners and stakeholders early in the development process ensures project success and fosters community support.
Collaboration with landowners and our communities helps us develop grazing management plans and other strategies that benefit both the environment and the community. For example, a rancher in Kentucky suggested integrating sheep grazing on an ENGIE solar site. By listening to the needs and wants of our landowners, we are able to create a project that meets their expectations, strengthens our relationship, and ensures long-term success.
Challenges and future goals
Implementing agrivoltaics is not without its challenges. These include upfront cost differences, insurance considerations, water sources, and wide-spread commitment. Despite these obstacles, the benefits such as long-term cost savings, environmental advantages, and improved community perception make agrivoltaics a worthwhile investment. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that can include policy development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning from successful implementations.
To further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of agrivoltaics, integrating advanced monitoring systems and adaptive management practices could also be beneficial. We are continuously researching and exploring different ways to integrate best practices into our projects. Additionally, some regions like California are beginning to incentivize agrivoltaics by requiring its implementation for solar project permits.
Setting industry standards
Agrivoltaics should be an aspiring industry standard across solar projects. At ENGIE, we have formed a Land Stewardship Working Group, with a goal to develop a policy or written framework that can be standardized internally and shared externally. This framework will outline criteria for our sites and guide the implementation of nature-based solutions tailored to each specific location. By setting industry standards, projects can benefit from shared knowledge and best practices, promoting continuous improvement and innovation.
The lasting impact of agrivoltaics
We must be stewards of the land we use and leave our ecosystems better than when we found them. Integrating innovative and sustainable solutions into solar energy projects through agrivoltaics maximizes land use, supports biodiversity, and enhances community acceptance. By embracing nature-based solutions, we are not only protecting and restoring ecosystems but also setting a new standard for our industry.
As we move towards adopting agrivoltaics as a standard practice, our focus must remain on creating a lasting positive impact. We need to build an energy infrastructure that supports our ecosystem, not degrades it. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement, agrivoltaics can lead the way to a more resilient and sustainable energy sector.