IRENA Highlights How Solar PV Projects Can Support Agriculture, Biodiversity, And Land Restoration

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become one of the most widely used renewable energy sources across the world. Over the last few years, solar installations have increased rapidly, and this growth is expected to continue in the coming decades as countries look for cleaner ways to produce electricity. By the end of 2024, solar PV accounted for about 77 percent of global annual power capacity additions, helping total installed solar capacity reach approximately 1,867 gigawatts.

Solar energy is widely recognized for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate electricity at a lower cost compared to fossil fuel–based power generation. However, beyond its climate and economic advantages, solar PV also has the potential to create positive environmental impacts when projects are planned and managed carefully. For example, when solar installations are developed on degraded or previously disturbed land, they can help restore those areas over time. In some cases, solar plants have contributed to improving soil quality and encouraging vegetation growth, which gradually makes the land more fertile.

Like all energy infrastructure, solar PV projects can influence the surrounding environment. These impacts may affect elements such as air, water, soil, and nearby ecosystems. The level and type of impact often depend on where the solar project is built and how the construction and operation are managed. If the location and design are not carefully considered, there may be negative environmental effects. For instance, planting vegetation beneath solar panels in sensitive ecosystems without studying the native plant species could introduce invasive plants that disrupt local biodiversity.

Because of these possibilities, the organization International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has emphasized the importance of proactive planning for solar PV development. In one of its recent reports, IRENA highlighted that thoughtful project planning can protect ecosystems while also creating additional environmental and economic benefits. With proper design and management, solar projects can support agriculture, improve local ecosystems, and contribute to economic activities in surrounding communities.

One important approach is the integration of solar PV systems with agricultural activities. When solar panels are installed in ways that allow farming to continue on the same land, the system can create multiple advantages. These benefits include reduced water usage for irrigation, improved crop survival in harsh climates, and in some cases higher agricultural productivity. This combination of energy production and farming can also support farmers’ incomes and strengthen local food security.Several sustainable practices are already being explored and implemented around the world to combine solar power with environmental or economic benefits.

One of the most well-known approaches is agrivoltaics. This concept involves installing solar panels on farmland while continuing agricultural production beneath or around the panels. With proper adjustments to panel height, spacing, and orientation, the same piece of land can produce both electricity and crops. Agrivoltaic systems help make better use of land while supporting farming activities. In areas where farmers have limited access to water or electricity, solar power can also be used to run irrigation systems. For example, solar-powered irrigation projects have helped women farmers in Rwanda increase agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

Another practice is solar grazing. Vegetation under solar panels needs regular maintenance to prevent grass or shrubs from growing too tall and blocking sunlight from reaching the panels. Instead of using mechanical cutting or chemical treatments, livestock such as sheep, cattle, or poultry can be allowed to graze in these areas. This approach helps manage vegetation naturally while providing benefits for farmers and livestock owners. Grazing animals reduce the risk of fire by controlling overgrown plants, lower the cost of land maintenance, and can benefit from the shade provided by solar panels. In some cases, this setup may even improve animal productivity. A study in Canada found that combining sheep grazing with large-scale solar farms could increase farmers’ profits by up to 40 percent, depending on how the livestock is marketed.

Solar PV systems can also contribute to restoring degraded land. Many regions have areas damaged by activities such as mining or excessive land use. These degraded lands often experience dust storms or soil erosion caused by strong winds. Installing solar PV systems in such locations can help stabilize the soil and reduce the impact of wind-driven dust and sandstorms. Over time, the presence of solar installations can encourage vegetation growth and support broader land restoration efforts.

Another concept known as ecovoltaics focuses on improving biodiversity around solar installations. Solar plants can alter local environmental conditions, such as providing shade and creating protected spaces for vegetation to grow. By planting pollinator-friendly plants beneath and around solar panels, developers can create habitats that support important species such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators play a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity. In Germany, studies of agrivoltaic projects have shown that the number of pollinators increased between 33 percent and 88 percent compared with nearby areas without solar panels.

Solar technology can also be combined with water-based activities through a concept called aquavoltaics. This involves installing floating solar panels on lakes, reservoirs, or other water bodies. Floating solar systems can reduce water evaporation and limit the growth of harmful algae by blocking some sunlight from reaching the water surface. When combined with aquaculture activities such as fish farming, floating solar installations may also help regulate water temperature and improve water quality. In China, for instance, a seafood farming operation that introduced floating solar panels reported higher production levels and increased income for farmers.

According to IRENA’s findings, achieving these combined benefits requires careful planning and the adoption of appropriate policies and practices. Developers and policymakers must evaluate potential environmental impacts before construction begins and implement measures to minimize risks to ecosystems and biodiversity. At the same time, they should encourage the use of sustainable approaches that allow renewable energy generation to coexist with environmental conservation and local economic activities.

Effective policies may include long-term planning strategies, clear renewable energy targets, financial incentives, and tax benefits to support sustainable solar development. In addition, governments and industry groups can establish technical guidelines and standards to ensure solar projects follow environmentally responsible practices. Training programs and capacity-building initiatives are also important to help project developers, farmers, and local communities understand how to implement these integrated systems successfully.

Another key factor is the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Successful solar projects often require cooperation between energy developers, environmental experts, local communities, farmers, policymakers, and financial institutions. Engaging these stakeholders early in the planning stage helps ensure that solar projects are designed in ways that address local needs and environmental concerns. This engagement should continue throughout the entire life cycle of the project, including development, operation, and eventual decommissioning.

As solar power continues to expand globally, thoughtful planning and collaboration can help ensure that solar PV systems not only generate clean electricity but also support agriculture, restore ecosystems, and create economic opportunities for communities. By combining renewable energy with sustainable environmental practices, solar power can play a broader role in building a more balanced and resilient energy future.