Blooming Under Solar Panels

In China’s Ningxia region, described by the United Nations as “the most uninhabitable place on Earth,” agrivoltaic farming has transformed the desert into a paradise by cultivating various dwarf vegetables and fruits. Vegetation cover has increased from 30% to 85%. The equipment for the project was provided by Huawei, known as a mobile phone manufacturer. Initially, alfalfa was planted across 100 kilometers to rehabilitate the soil. Through the Liupan Mountain Flower Festival, China’s success in modern agriculture is being showcased to the world. The deep blue agrivoltaic solar panels create an ocean-like appearance. With over 2 million photovoltaic panels absorbing sunlight, the world’s largest PV power plant has been established, while goji berries (wolfberries), one of the most important foods in Japanese medicine, and various vegetables are being cultivated beneath them.

Eighty thousand people are employed in panel maintenance, crop production, storage, and marketing. This initiative, one of China’s most significant poverty reduction projects, serves as a model not only for China but for the world. A key aspect of China’s “reducing food vulnerability” plan for 2025 is to cultivate various crops, from annuals to perennials, under massive solar farms, develop technology, and restore ecosystems.

China installed 210 gigawatts of solar panels last year—twice the total installed capacity of the United States—and aims to reach 1,000 gigawatts by the end of 2026, which is double the current global capacity. According to the World Nuclear Association, China is constructing 26 nuclear power plants to dominate the nuclear energy market, currently led by Russia, and to export technology. Additionally, farming under solar panels helps reduce food vulnerability.

Türkiye’s first agrivoltaic solar farm with a sun-tracking system is located in Ayaş, Ankara, where tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are cultivated beneath solar panels. A team of experts, including Doç. Dr. Talat Özden, Coordinator of Günam Module Technologies, and professionals from companies such as Oxo Tracker, is researching the most efficient agricultural production conditions under solar panels. OxoTracker has developed 3.5-meter-high energy panels that rotate according to the sun’s movement. Their height allows tractors and other agricultural machinery to operate smoothly for planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities.

A study published in Nature compared traditional farmland with agrivoltaic farms. The findings show that agrivoltaic systems not only reduce vapor pressure but also retain 15% more soil moisture than conventional farmland, decreasing water usage by 65%. Photosynthesis rates increased, panel temperatures dropped by 9%, and electricity production efficiency improved. The yield of peppers tripled, and tomatoes doubled. Water consumption for crops like cherry tomatoes was reduced by 65%.

According to the German Standardization Institute’s standard number 91434, agricultural production and electricity generation can coexist on the same land. The standard allows for the application of solar energy panels not only in fruit, vegetable, and viticulture farming but also in grasslands, pastures, greenhouses, and fish farms. First established in 2012, agrivoltaic farms now exceed 14 GWp globally, with Japan leading with 3,000 agrivoltaic farms, followed by China, the United States, and France.

The selection of crops for cultivation under solar panels varies depending on location and climate conditions. However, shade-tolerant fruit trees, potatoes, root vegetables, tomatoes, and grapes thrive exceptionally well in this setup. Transparent solar panels protect crops from natural disasters such as hail, frost, and heavy rain while reducing plant stress caused by drought. In addition to harnessing rainwater, agrivoltaic farming helps restore degraded soil. With artificial intelligence and solar tracking systems, the future of food production is flourishing under solar panels through efficient resource management.

The term agrivoltaics was first introduced by Christophe Dupraz, whose research revealed that soil moisture levels increased by 35% to 73% under solar panels. Scientists aim to enhance the synergy between solar energy and agricultural production. A study conducted in Switzerland showed that land productivity increased by 64% in agrivoltaic farms.

Another advantage of agrivoltaic systems is local energy production and consumption. Establishing agrivoltaic farms near industrial facilities can provide both energy and food for businesses. Schools, universities, and cities can leverage agrivoltaics to reduce food insecurity and eliminate food deserts.

Solar 3GW, a think tank specializing in solar energy, published a report on Agrivoltaic Solar Farms that examines energy security, climate change, and the impact on farmland. It also discusses the regulatory changes needed to attract investment in agrivoltaics. Given Türkiye’s shrinking agricultural lands, agrivoltaic farms serve as an essential tool for conservation, improving water efficiency, and enhancing productivity. New solar farms on agricultural lands will protect crops from extreme climate conditions, increase yields, and optimize electricity costs. Excess electricity can be sold to the grid, generating additional income for small farmers.

According to Solar 3GW Chairman Yusuf Bahadır Turhan, “Agrivoltaic farms can simultaneously address climate crises, energy challenges, and agricultural difficulties.” Agrivoltaic solar panels represent the future of green industries through interdisciplinary collaborations between energy, materials, and agricultural engineers.

One of the biggest debates surrounding agrivoltaic farms is their licensing process. Defined as a “renewable source application supporting agriculture,” agrivoltaic farms could be permitted in currently non-arable marginal lands. Revising current regulations could enable licensing for agrivoltaic farms, integrating these lands into the economy. While the sector prepares the necessary infrastructure, a long-term struggle against energy lobbies seems inevitable. Agricultural production in agrivoltaic farms could be supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, while energy production would be overseen by the Ministry of Energy. Reports assessing the environmental impact of solar farms on soil and land use are currently being prepared. Financial incentives and support mechanisms could be introduced to lower input costs for agrivoltaic projects.

Cities like Antalya, Konya, İzmir, and Şanlıurfa have vast agricultural lands. To sustain urban populations, producing both energy and food on the same land is essential. Agrivoltaic solar farms offer an unparalleled opportunity to create self-sufficient cities.

Energy demand continues to rise. The question remains: how can we produce low-cost, eco-friendly energy? Türkiye’s total electricity production is 302 terawatt-hours, with 5% from wind and 7% from solar power. Among G20 nations, Türkiye ranks fifth in renewable electricity generation. Research by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that solar energy production will increase by 10% annually. By 2050, 25% of global electricity is expected to come from solar energy, making agrivoltaic farming a necessity rather than an option.