WSU Study Proposes Solar Panels Above Apple Orchards
Report Suggests Solar and Agriculture Can Thrive Together in Washington
A new state-funded study co-authored by Washington State University researchers suggests that solar energy and farming may be able to coexist on the same land through an approach known as agrivoltaics. The report, titled “Low-hanging Fruit for Washington’s Energy Future?”, evaluates how solar installations can operate alongside crops and livestock rather than replacing them, potentially transforming tens of thousands of acres of farmland into dual-use systems.
Researchers found that agrivoltaics could be viable on roughly 87,000 acres of Washington farmland located within one mile of an electrical substation. These systems could generate between 8.7 and 17.4 gigawatts of power—significantly contributing to the state’s clean energy goals of 20 gigawatts of solar power. The approach would be especially suitable for orchards and berry farms, with half of the identified acreage located in apple and other perennial fruit operations in central and eastern Washington.
Chad Kruger, director of WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture & Natural Resources and assistant director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures, said the research focuses on balancing food and energy needs so that both can benefit rather than compete. He emphasized that the goal is to maintain agricultural productivity while advancing renewable energy development.
The report acknowledges several challenges, including the high upfront costs of installation and the need for more research, pilot programs, and financial incentives. It recommends demonstration projects and greater outreach to farmers to help build familiarity and trust with the technology.
Max Lambert, science director for The Nature Conservancy in Washington and lead author of the report, noted that many farmers are interested but cautious, wanting to see successful examples before committing. He said farmers expressed strong trust in WSU and local conservation groups, which could help accelerate adoption once a pilot site is established.
Kruger and his team are working to launch one such pilot project at WSU’s Sunrise Research Orchard near Wenatchee. The site design is complete, and funding sources are being pursued to begin construction. If built, it would serve as a model for integrating solar energy with Washington’s high-value crops.
The study, developed with input from the American Farmland Trust and the University of California, Santa Barbara, also examined potential crop-specific benefits. For example, apple growers could use solar panels to provide shade and reduce sunburn on fruit, potentially replacing costly netting or cooling systems. The panels could also help lower irrigation costs and serve as structural support for trellising systems.
Survey responses from 100 farmers indicated limited familiarity with agrivoltaics but significant curiosity about its potential. More than half expressed moderate to strong interest in learning how the technology could work for their operations.
The project also offered research experience for WSU senior Karina Schoenbachler, who contributed to reviewing scientific literature and analyzing data. She said the experience helped her understand both the promise and complexity of applying agrivoltaic systems in Washington’s agricultural landscape.
The report concludes that while implementation will take time, agrivoltaics could offer a “cautious but promising” path forward for balancing Washington’s growing demands for clean energy and food production.
Source: WSU Insider