Agrivoltaics combines agriculture and photovoltaics — using the same land for both farming and solar energy generation. With Queensland’s rapid growth in solar energy development, agrivoltaics provides a way to retain productive farmland while contributing to renewable energy targets.
What is agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaic projects install solar panels in ways that allow agricultural use to continue underneath. This dual land use supports efficient resource management and can improve productivity, resilience, and income diversification for farmers.
Case studies
Dubbo Solar Hub (NSW)
Tom Warren, a Dubbo grazier, has reported improved wool quality among his 250 Merino wethers grazing beneath solar panels on 54 hectares. “Every year, regardless of the weather, the sunshine, wool prices or lamb prices, there is a baseline for our family that we don’t have to worry about,” said Tom on the Landline program (8 June 2025). Tom has increased his stocking rate by 25% due to the microclimate created by the panels. Shade and dew encourage green grass growth beneath the panels — and surprisingly, the sheep prefer it.
Wellington (NSW)
Tony Inder, who continues to run sheep on the farm he sold to a solar developer, found that sheep grazing under panels consistently produced more wool than those outside the solar area. “The panel sheep always seem to be happier sheep,” he said on Landline.
Parkes (NSW)
Another grazier told the ABC his flock was stocked slightly lighter than average, but wool cuts were in the top 5% in the district.
Other examples include:
- Dorper sheep grazed under solar panels at the Longreach Solar Farm.
- Cattle grazed under 100 kW of solar panels at Cressbrook Station for 15 years. Owner Caitlin McConnel told the 2024 Renewables in Agriculture Conference that the grass is always taller under the panels.
- Warwick Solar Farm graziers also report increased productivity beneath panels.
- The Tatura Smart Farm in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley is trialling a solar installation over fruit trees.
New Agrivoltaics Handbook
The NSW Agrivoltaics Handbook by EnergyCo provides practical guidance for integrating solar systems into working farms. It helps landholders and developers understand how agrivoltaics can maintain farm viability, improve climate resilience, and create new income streams.
The handbook includes:
- Advice on co-locating solar with grazing, cropping, or pollinator habitats
- Examples of layout options to support ongoing farming
- Step-by-step checklists for planning, design, installation, and operation
- Local and international case studies presented in plain English.
Practical benefits for farmers
- Diversified income: Leasing land or entering power purchase agreements provides financial stability alongside traditional revenues.
- Improved microclimates: Panels offer shade and shelter, reducing livestock heat stress and crop exposure to extreme weather.
- Pasture and weed management: Solar arrays can support controlled grazing and vegetation management.
- Efficient land use: Well-designed systems allow continued production while contributing to the energy transition.
Planning and risk management
Agrivoltaic projects require thoughtful design and collaboration. The handbook outlines key planning steps:
- Engage early with developers to shape design and management plans.
- Assess site-specific factors such as soil, slope, water, and infrastructure.
- Review layout and panel configurations to suit existing practices.
- Plan for access, maintenance, fencing, and animal welfare.
- Identify any seasonal or operational changes required.
Key risks to manage include:
- Soil compaction, grading, and erosion
- Impacts on irrigation or machinery access
- Weed and fire management
- Visual and community concerns.
Summary
If you’re considering solar on your farm, the Agrivoltaics Handbook offers:
- A clear roadmap for integrating solar and agriculture
- Checklists and tools for site assessment and developer engagement
- Evidence-based advice on co-benefits for crops, grazing, and the environment
- Guidance to help you retain control over how your land is used.
Find out more
Read QFF’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy case studies at the Ag Energy Hub: https://www.qff.org.au/agenergyhub
For tailored support, QFF’s Energy Information Service for Landholders can help you navigate renewable energy projects — from exploring opportunities and negotiating with developers to planning for long-term outcomes such as decommissioning. This is a free service run by QFF’s energy team.
The Energy Information Service for Landholders is available: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Call 07 3329 7500.