Agrivoltaics, also referred to as dual-use farming, is the practice of installing solar panels on agricultural land. This innovative approach enables farmers to use their land for both food production and energy generation, simultaneously. By implementing agrivoltaic systems, farmers can boost their income by selling excess electricity back to the grid or using it to power their operations. The shade provided by the solar panels also reduces evaporation and temperature, which can be advantageous for crops during hot and dry weather conditions. With agrivoltaics, farmers can utilize their land more efficiently while also contributing to the transition towards renewable energy sources. Ultimately, this solution is an innovative and sustainable way to support farmers in increasing their yields, profitability, and contributions to a more sustainable future.

Rhode Island has a relatively small land area, but it is densely populated, and the state's energy demand is high. In recent years, the state has made significant strides towards renewable energy, with solar energy leading the way. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Rhode Island had 111 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity as of 2021, with enough solar energy to power 13,700 homes. However, with the state's ambitious clean energy goals, there is a need for more solar installations. The integration of Agrivoltaics can help to meet these goals while also supporting the state's agricultural sector.

In terms of potential, a 2019 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that Rhode Island has the technical potential for more than 500 MW of Agrivoltaics, which could generate significant amounts of renewable energy while providing benefits to agriculture. The study identified various crops and livestock that could be compatible with solar panels, including small fruits, vegetables, and bees.

Rhode Island has a diverse range of agricultural products, including shellfish, dairy, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. One of the state's largest crops is sweet corn, which is grown on around 1,500 acres of land. Agrivoltaics could be particularly well-suited to sweet corn cultivation, as the shade provided by the solar panels can help to prevent sunscald, a condition that can cause significant yield losses in corn crops.

Agrivoltaics can also be beneficial for other crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and berries. By reducing evaporation and temperature, the shade provided by the solar panels can help to conserve water and reduce irrigation needs, which can be especially critical during drought periods. Furthermore, the reduced exposure to direct sunlight can help to reduce heat stress on plants, which can improve their overall health and yield.

Rhode Island has already taken steps to promote the use of agrivoltaics in the state. In 2020, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) launched a pilot program to install agrivoltaic systems on farms in the state. The program provided funding for the installation of solar panels over farm fields and offered technical assistance to farmers to help them integrate the technology into their operations.

Agrivoltaics has significant potential in Rhode Island, offering a promising solution for the state's farmers and clean energy goals. By integrating solar energy production with agriculture, Rhode Island can generate renewable energy while also supporting its agricultural sector. With the state's ambitious clean energy goals and its commitment to supporting its farmers, Rhode Island is well-positioned to become a leader in agrivoltaics.

It is important to consider the economic viability of the project, including the cost of equipment, labor, and ongoing maintenance. Overall, developing an Agrivoltaics project requires careful planning and coordination between solar energy and agriculture experts to ensure the project's success.