If you frequent social media, you’ve probably seen discussions about converting land into solar farms. Often these involve taking prime farmland out of production. I have a unique perspective on this, because our family farm is within a few miles of a utility substation and we have gotten multiple lucrative offers to lease our land to produce solar energy.

Considering the fact that there are plenty of rooftops, highway medians, reservoirs, non-agricultural land (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/21/solar-farms-energy-power-california-mojave-desert?) and other opportunities to install solar panels, is converting productive land into “farms” that stream electrons over wires a good idea?

Based on the information I’ve seen, the conclusion I’m drawing is “Not if we’re clever.” The truth is agricultural land does not have to be taken out of production simply because solar panels are installed. Yes, the the panels do create physical obstacles to traditional farming and place most of the field in shade. But not all the field is covered, and some plants thrive in shade. Plus shade means lower overall temperatures and less water evaporation. And by the way, lower temperatures benefit anyone working in the fields.

Another dimension is grazing. Grass still can grow between the rows, and sheep aren’t that particular about their surroundings.

No one wants to lose valuable farmland for other purposes, especially when there is so much hunger in parts of the world. Also, changes like this can be unsettling to many people. But there are ways to ensure we can have our electricity and eat, too.

For more information, see “Planting Crops in Fields of Solar Panels is More Efficient, Protects the Plants and Helps Keep Workers Cool, Study Finds” at https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/planting-crops-in-fields-of-solar-panels-is-more-efficient-protects-the-plants-and-helps-keep-workers-cool-study-finds?

Also “Growing Crops Under Solar Panels? Now There’s a Bright Idea” at https://www.wired.com/story/growing-crops-under-solar-panels-now-theres-a-bright-idea/?