Agrivoltaics Research Advances with Purdue Visit to Iowa State Solar Farm

By Andi Anderson

Petrus Langenhoven, Clinical Assistant Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, recently visited an advanced agrivoltaics research site at Iowa State University to study innovative farming techniques that combine solar energy and agriculture.

The visit highlights growing interest in sustainable farming practices that improve crop production while generating clean energy.

The site, located at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm in Ames, Iowa, is spread across 10 acres and produces 1.375 megawatts of power. It is considered one of the most advanced agrivoltaics research facilities in the Midwest. The project is a result of a partnership between Iowa State University and Alliant Energy, supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy under the FARMS program.

During the visit, the Purdue specialist met with Dr. Ajay Nair, Head of the ISU Horticulture Department and lead researcher on the project and explored different solar panel setups.

The farm includes both single-axis tracking panels and fixed-tilt panels set at different heights. These designs help researchers understand how sunlight, shade, and panel structures affect crop growth.

The site also includes a variety of vegetation treatments. Crops such as vegetables and small fruits are grown alongside pollinator-friendly plants. Early findings from the research have shown promising results. For example, summer squash grown beneath solar panels produced 28 percent more marketable yield compared to crops grown in open fields. In addition, temperatures under the panels were found to be 1 to 3 degrees Celsius cooler during the growing season, creating a better environment for some crops.

The visit comes at an important time, as planning is underway to develop a similar agrivoltaics research project in Indiana. The Purdue specialist is actively involved in a regional collaboration focused on making farming systems more resilient. Support from national research funding is also helping explore the feasibility of these systems in new locations.

The visit also opened the door for future collaboration between institutions. There is potential to expand research efforts through shared data collection and testing across different states. This cooperation will help improve understanding of agrivoltaics and support farmers in adopting new technologies.

Agrivoltaics is emerging as a promising solution for the future of agriculture. By combining energy production with crop cultivation, it offers a balanced approach to improving farm productivity and environmental sustainability.

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