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This dual-use solar, also known as agrisolar, agrophotovoltaics, and agrocoltaics, is a fairly new way of using solar panels to both produce electricity while also sheltering crops from harsh elements. This has been shown to both boost energy production, since plants help to lower the ambient temperature of the pannels, increasing their efficiency. At the same time, the panels can help shade the plants from harsh solar rays, hail, and heavy snow. Solar panels have been shown to reduce the watering requirements of crops, further reducing the energy impact of watering crops.
Producing energy on the same land as 1 or more other products can help protect farmers against unforeseen evens both ecologically and market-wise. Farmers can produce their own energy regardless of market fluctuations, with the option to sell extra energy produced. Meanwhile the same land can produce at least one type of crop or livestock at a minimum per year. If the farmer also employs practices such as rotational grazing, alley cropping, cover cropping, intercropping, then they may be able to increase their production even further. Honey production is another compatible practice that can benefit from solar panel protection for crops or wildflowers on which the bees forage.
Pumping ground water uses quite a bit of energy, so the dual benefit of reducing your crops' water needs, while also producing your own renewable energy can save farmers both resources and money.