A new resource is now available to help landowners and solar developers unlock the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy. The Agrivoltaics Handbook, developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture with support from EnergyCo, offers practical guidance on integrating farming practices into solar energy projects.
The handbook provides:
- Advice for landowners interested in grazing livestock or growing crops within solar farms
- Guidelines for developers to incorporate agriculture into solar system designs
- Detailed checklists to assist in planning agrisolar developments
This initiative supports regional communities within NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), helping to build a modern electricity grid while preserving productive farmland. Landowners already using agrivoltaics report benefits such as diversified income, improved livestock welfare through shading, and natural vegetation management.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said, “Farmers that host projects are crucial to the success of our renewable energy zones. Having more practical information available empowers host communities and shows compatibility between renewables and our important agricultural industries.”
Farm Renewables Consulting Director Karin Stark added, “Early engagement with landowners is important when shaping how renewable energy projects can coexist with farmland. The Handbook comprehensively guides landowners and developers from planning and design, all the way through to maintenance.”
The Agrivoltaics Handbook is available now on the EnergyCo website.
