Agrivoltaics Maintains or Enhances Forage Quality, Study Finds – What This Means for Solar Developers and Farmers

At Sunlink (Xiamen), we believe the future of solar energy is not just about generating clean electricity – it is about integrating with agriculture to create value for both energy and food production. A new study from the University of Minnesota provides compelling evidence that agrivoltaic systems can maintain or even enhance the nutritional quality of forages used for grazing dairy cattle, even when biomass yields are partially reduced.

What the Research Found

Scientists led by Professor Bradley J. Heins compared forage grown under two different agrivoltaic arrays (a 30 kW site with fixed 35° south tilt, and a 50 kW square-shaped site with flat-top reflectors) against a control pasture without panels. All panels were mounted 2.5–3.0 m off the ground – high enough for cattle grazing and machinery access.

Key results from the 2022–2023 growing seasons:

• Biomass yield was lower at the 50 kW solar site (3,223 kg/ha) compared to the 30 kW site (8,968 kg/ha) and the control pasture (9,987 kg/ha). The denser 50 kW array created more shading, reducing overall dry matter production.

• Crude protein content was significantly higher under the 50 kW array (23.8%) than under the 30 kW array (20.1%) and the control (18.2%). This means better nutritional value per kilogram of forage.

• Total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility (TTNDFD) – a key indicator of how well dairy cows can digest fiber – was also highest under the 50 kW array (54.4%), compared to 52.3% at the 30 kW site and 49.1% in the open pasture.

The researchers noted that orchardgrass and meadow fescue performed particularly well under the solar panels, maintaining strong biomass production relative to open-field conditions.

Why This Matters for Agrivoltaic Projects

For farmers and solar developers, this study offers several practical insights:

1. Shading is not simply a penalty. While dense panel configurations reduce total biomass, they can improve forage quality – higher protein and digestibility mean cattle may require less supplemental feed. The trade-off between quantity and quality must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2. Species selection is critical. Not all forages respond the same way under partial shade. Grasses like orchardgrass and meadow fescue appear more suitable than some legumes. Mixes with alfalfa, red clover, or white clover also showed promise, but biomass and quality varied.

3. Array design matters. The 30 kW tilted array allowed more light penetration and higher biomass, while the 50 kW flat-top reflector array created more uniform shade and greater quality improvements. Developers can adjust panel density, tilt, and height to balance energy yield with agricultural output.

Our Perspective at Sunlink

At Sunlink, we see agrivoltaics as a rapidly growing segment where smart system design unlocks new revenue streams for landowners while accelerating renewable energy deployment. This research confirms that dual-use solar can be a win-win – but only if projects are planned with local agronomic conditions in mind.

For developers: When designing agrivoltaic sites for grazing, consider mounting heights of at least 2.5 m (as in the study) and panel configurations that avoid extreme shading across the entire field. Incorporating reflective materials or bifacial modules can help redistribute light to under-canopy forages.

For farmers: Work with agronomists to select shade-tolerant grass species (orchardgrass, meadow fescue) and monitor forage quality over time. The improved crude protein and digestibility observed in this study could translate into better animal health and reduced feed costs.

For both: The economics of agrivoltaics should account not only for energy revenue but also for potential changes in forage value. A 10–20% reduction in biomass might be offset by a 30% increase in protein content – especially for high-value dairy operations.

Looking Ahead

The Minnesota team plans to expand their research to include vertical bifacial solar panels, compare different array configurations economically, and evaluate long-term animal performance and grazing behavior. At Sunlink, we will be following these developments closely – and we are ready to help our customers design agrivoltaic systems that optimize both energy generation and agricultural productivity.

Interested in integrating solar with your grazing operation? Contact Sunlink to explore custom agrivoltaic solutions tailored to your land, livestock, and energy goals.