New Agrivoltaics Project At the School of Geosciences

Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and solar energy production on the same land.

An experiment spearheaded by Dr. Caitlin deNux with the School of Geoscience and Dr. Terrance Chambers with the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab will explore the benefits of this dual-use approach, which include increased land-use efficiency, additional revenue streams for farmers, and potential improvements in crop yields due to the microclimates created by these solar panels.

This experiment will involve growing cover crops (buckwheat, peas, oats, and cereal rye) and broccoli under solar panels. Soil health indicators, plant morphology and anatomy, and energy production will be closely monitored to assess the effectiveness of agrivoltaics in supporting sustainable food and photovoltaic systems in the South Louisiana area!