UMass Clean Energy Extension and partners are researching how agrivoltaic (dual-use) solar systems affect agricultural productivity and farm economics.
About Agrivoltaics
"Agrivoltaics" describes systems where agricultural production and solar electricity generation occur together on the same land. You may also hear these called "dual-use" systems.
Unlike conventional ground-mounted solar that removes land from farming, dual-use systems are designed with elevated panels that allow crops to grow or animals to graze underneath. In Massachusetts, qualifying dual-use systems are called Agricultural Solar Tariff Generation Units (ASTGUs) and can receive enhanced incentives under the state's SMART solar program.
ASTGU Application Review
Massachusetts requires developers seeking ASTGU designation to consult with UMass Extension before submitting Pre-Determination Applications to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
CEE and UMass Agricultural Extension staff jointly review draft applications and provide written comments on proposed agricultural plans. This review helps ensure that system designs are compatible with continued agricultural production.
To start the ASTGU review process, contact Mary Kraus at mlkraus[at]umass[dot]edu (mlkraus[at]umass[dot]edu) or (413) 545-8514.
Are you a farmer interested in dual-use solar?
Visit our Solar and Renewable Energy on Farms page for practical guidance on programs, requirements, design considerations, and getting started.
UMass Research Activities
U. S. DOE Funded Agrivoltaics Research Project
CEE and partners (UMass Agricultural Extension, UMass Cranberry Station, UMass Department of Resource Economics, and American Farmland Trust) have conducted a multi-year research project funded by the U. S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
Research areas include:
- Impacts on crop productivity under different panel configurations
- Soil health and microclimatic conditions in agrivoltaic systems
- Economic impacts on individual farms
- Regional agricultural economic impacts and understanding of public perception
UMass Research Farm Trials
Research Professor Stephen Herbert of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture has been conducting research trials of vegetables grown beneath solar panels at the UMass Amherst Research Farm in South Deerfield.
Cranberry Dual-Use Research
UMass Cranberry Station is researching how solar panels affect cranberry growth and productivity. This work addresses the unique considerations of installing solar over cranberry bogs.
External Resources
- AgriSolar Clearinghouse - National hub for agrivoltaic resources, case studies, and research
- InSPIRE - NREL's research initiative on low-impact solar development
- Farmer's Guide to Going Solar - U.S. Department of Energy resource
Contact
To start the ASTGU review process:
Mary Kraus
Project Coordinator
UMass Clean Energy Extension
(413) 545-8514 • mlkraus[at]umass[dot]edu (mlkraus[at]umass[dot]edu)
For questions about dual-use research:
Zara Dowling
Senior Research Fellow
UMass Clean Energy Extension
(413) 545-8516 • zdowling[at]umass[dot]edu (zdowling[at]umass[dot]edu)
For questions about farm energy generally:
Griffin Pelaia
Agricultural and Energy Engineer
UMass Clean Energy Extension
(413) 421-0129 • gpelaia[at]umass[dot]edu (gpelaia[at]umass[dot]edu)