Small Scale Agrivoltaics

The innovative solutions emerging from the Kasser Joint Institute are strategically developed to address the interconnected challenges of the food-energy-water nexus. These groundbreaking initiatives are designed to empower farming communities worldwide by providing them with integrated systems that allow for the sustainable cultivation of food, generation of energy, and treatment of water—all within a single, harmonious framework.

One of the first projects to make a tangible difference is the Agrivoltaics, which was initiated in 2020 with a focus on smallholder farmers—who represented approximately 70% of the farming sector in developing countries. The research was led by Prof. Greg Barron Gafford from the University of Arizona and Dr. Tali Zohar from the Arava and was conducted over four years in the Arava and at the University of Arizona. This research phase was completed in 2024, paving the way for practical implementation in Kenya.

The project involved the simultaneous use of land for both solar energy production and agricultural cultivation. In this system, solar panels were strategically installed above crops, creating a dual-purpose environment where both energy and food production could thrive. The panels served a dual function: by shading the crops underneath, they significantly reduced solar radiation and water evaporation, leading to more efficient water use and improved crop yields in areas prone to heat stress. Conversely, the crops contributed to the cooling of the solar panels, enhancing their efficiency in energy generation.

Beyond theoretical exploration, the project actively tested the practical benefits of integrating solar panel technologies with various crops across different climatic regions. Through detailed research and field studies, the project identified optimal crop varieties and solar configurations that maximized both agricultural output and energy production. The ultimate goal was to create a scalable model that could be adapted to diverse environments, enabling small-scale farming communities to sustainably meet their food, energy, and water needs.

In doing so, the small scale Agrivoltaics project not only addressed immediate challenges such as resource scarcity and climate change but also established a foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient future for smallholder farmers around the globe. Through the Kasser Joint Institute’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, this project exemplified how integrated solutions could transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a world where food security, clean energy, and water access were achieved in synergy.