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the australian farmer
International standards and requirements Other countries have established their own stan- dards to ensure that agrivoltaic systems are benefi- cial for both agriculture and energy production: • Germany: Requires a minimum of 66 per cent of reference yield. • France: Mandates at least 90 per cent yield compared to a nearby control plot. • Italy: Limits solar panel coverage to no more than 40 per cent of the area on agrivoltaic sites. In the United States, the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Energy Resources is spearheading agrivol- taic incentives through the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This program offers compensation rates up to $0.06/ kilowatt peak, contingent on specific design requirements. For instance, horizontal single-axis tracking systems must have a minimum panel height of 10 feet (3.0 metres), while fixed tilt systems require a minimum of 8 feet (2.4 metres). Furthermore, there are restric- tions on shading—no more than 50 per cent shade should be created in any part of the site compared to baseline conditions. Opportunities in Australia Australia holds considerable potential for agrivoltaics, particularly with sub-5 Megawatt solar developments connected to the distribution network. These systems can provide behind-the-metre power to farms, en- abling them to meet energy needs during peak times while exporting surplus energy at other times. Instal- lation of a battery to soak up excess solar during the day and export in the evenings would provide a more lucrative income, receiving higher feed-in-tariff when trading on the wholesale market. These smaller solar systems could also be located closer to larger load centres such as cities and indus- trial sites. However, while international experiences offer valuable insights, substantial research tailored to Australian conditions is still needed. The 2023 report that I co-authored, "Pursuing an Agrivoltaic Future in Australia," outlines the specific research and con- siderations needed for successful implementation.
Solar grazing In Australia, solar grazing has emerged as the most common form of dual land use on utility-scale solar farms. Successful solar grazing, where livestock graze on land underneath and around solar pan- els, hinges on thorough planning and design well before construction begins. Industry consultation has revealed that inadequate preparation can lead to significant challenges down the track. Key con- siderations in the planning phase include: • Effective pasture management to prevent overgrazing and encourage even grazing patterns, as well as to support maintenance strategies like crash grazing to manage grass height. • Site infrastructure that supports livestock handling, including trafficable surfaces and designated holding areas for mustering and administering animal health treatments. • Enough water troughs installed prior to elec- trical cabling going in. Managing both pasture and sheep within a single large paddock interspersed with solar infrastructure can be difficult. Retrofitting solar farms after instal- lation, with additional fencing, water points, or handling yards, is often costly, complex, and risky, especially when solar operators and landholders are not aligned on investment and return expectations.
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