New research from the University of Sheffield suggests that ambitious solar expansion plans in the UK could be met without the need to remove valuable farmland from production.
By integrating solar panels with agricultural activities – in a process known as agrivoltaics – the study estimates that the UK’s electricity demand could be met more than four times over, while protecting food production.
The government aims to increase ground-mounted solar farms substantially, yet these proposals often face opposition from farmers and communities concerned about losing prime agricultural land.
Additionally, worries about rising costs, food security and the visual impact of solar infrastructure have fuelled debate.
Agrivoltaics addresses these concerns by installing solar panels above or among crops, allowing livestock grazing or cultivation beneath the panels.
Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, highlighted that this dual-use approach is already common in many parts of the world but is still relatively new to the UK.
The study identifies regions such as Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire and the broader East and South East of England as prime locations for agrivoltaics deployment, citing factors like flat terrain, existing farming practices, robust grid connections and adequate solar radiation.
Previously, a £1.4 million research project by the University of Sheffield tested agrivoltaic systems in Tanzania and Kenya. The initiative revealed that certain crops—including maize, Swiss chard and beans—benefited from partial shading beneath the panels, resulting in improved yields and water conservation.
Rainwater running off the panels also reduced irrigation demands, further enhancing sustainability.
Co-author Dr Richard Randle-Boggis, now with SINTEF, stressed the need for field experiments in the UK to evaluate different system designs and engage local communities.
The researchers say by demonstrating the possibility of solar farms coexisting with agricultural activities, agrivoltaics could mitigate public opposition linked to farmland loss while helping the UK meet its net-zero commitments.
