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Abstract
Agrivoltaics is the implementation of solar installations alongside agricultural land in order to improve the efficiency of land usage in both industries. Research in European and Asian countries developing agriculture and solar developments in tandem has indicated that implementation in the United States, including Virginia, is feasible and beneficial. The US has the highest energy use per capita in the world, with the increase of various technologies has resulted in land developments using higher energy levels than previously. While Virginia’s energy demand has increased with the addition of data centers. Increased energy demand and food security requirements have unearthed policy/political conflicts between land use for agriculture and its potential for solar energy generation. This qualitative study examines various approaches to agrivoltaics, the controversies surrounding its implementation, and its current status within Virginia and the United States. This qualitative research SWOT analysis examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to analyze the current, and potential future status, of Agrivoltaics within the United States. This was conducted through an extensive literature/media review of advocates and protesters of photovoltaics within the United States; a literature review of best-practices currently implemented in the United States and other countries; and interviews with current advocates and practitioners of agrivoltaics. While this qualitative study is still underway, initial indications are that Agrivoltaics in the United States can improve efficiency of our land. Continued research into this subject is required to properly implement agrivoltaics with best practices in mind.
Publication Date
2026
Subject Major(s)
Environmental Studies
Keywords
Agrivoltaics, SWOT, Literary Analysis
Current Academic Year
Senior
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Brian Toibin
Rights
© The Author(s)
Disciplines
Agriculture | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Oil, Gas, and Energy
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