The Permian Energy Development Lab (PEDL) is pressing ahead on an effort to harness the potential of agrivoltaics, an emerging field of advanced energy that blends solar energy development with agriculture.

It’s an exciting opportunity, but let’s start with some basics. When you think of solar power in a region like the Permian Basin, what comes to mind? Likely an island of panels in a dry landscape. Agrivoltaics is upending that status quo. Imagine instead rows of panels casting beneficial shade over crops or grazing animals, or native vegetation. The essence of agrivoltaics is this: optimizing land use by co-locating solar generation with agriculture, creating mutual benefits.

And that’s where PEDL wants to go. Research suggests promising outcomes: studies like Gafford et al. show agrivoltaics can maintain or even increase agricultural yields in dry, arid regions while requiring less water—a precious resource in the Permian.

While increased renewable power can be a benefit of agrivoltaics, there are others: new revenue streams for ranchers and farmers to help keep them ranching and farming their land, as well as solar planning and installation jobs for the region’s residents. With its combination of energy expertise, a skilled workforce, and a vast land mass to work with, the Permian is well-suited to be a global hub for agrivoltaics. Our goal is to make that vision a reality.  

This is not to ignore the potential challenges ahead. Dual-purpose agrivoltaic systems tend to be more complex and costly than traditional solar farms. And as with other energy developments, concerns about land-use transformation and visual impact require careful consideration and community engagement.

With these points in mind, a team of PEDL leaders and community representatives are forming a research network to answer critical "how" and "where" questions. Resource assessments will identify optimal locations, balancing solar potential with agricultural and other land uses. Community engagement is vital to ensure local voices shape our plans at the front end. Finally, PEDL pilot projects will serve as real-world laboratories, testing agrivoltaic designs and showcasing their benefits and tradeoffs in real world settings.

At the end of the day, PEDL's vision is about more than just clean energy. It’s about fostering a vibrant ecosystem where energy production, agriculture and community operate in a symbiotic relationship. Light, land and people—all working to build a prosperous future for the Permian Basin and beyond.*