A new research and demonstration project at Rutgers University-New Brunswick combining solar energy production with livestock grazing could help researchers understand how the design of solar installations can facilitate agriculture and ranching on the same sites to prevent the loss of productive farmland to solar farms.

As Kitta MacPherson explains in a Rutgers press release, “The installation on College Farm Road on the George H. Cook campus will allow researchers to investigate how the design affects grazing strategies for beef cattle and ease of hay harvesting. Scientists also will assess whether certain crops fare better in New Jersey’s climate using an agrivoltaics system, compared with crops produced in other regions of the United States employing agrivoltaics.”

Unlike many solar arrays, the Rutgers installation spaces panels far enough apart to let grass grow between rows and provide enough space for cows to graze. According to Rutgers Agrivoltaic Program Lead David Specca, “Our approach emphasizes food production and considers the generated electricity as a low-risk and supplemental income for farmers.” The project could help New Jersey get closer to reaching its renewable energy goals while preserving farmland.

Earlier this year, Ohio state officials gave the go-ahead to a 6,000-acre agrivoltaic project that will combine solar energy production with sheep ranching and agriculture.