Work

Microclimate, Vegetation, and Soil Response to Micro‐Zonal Solar Photovoltaic Patterning in a Humid Sub‐Tropical Agrivoltaic Grazing System

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Agrivoltaic grazing systems, or the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with livestock grazing, are the most common form of multi‐use solar energy in the United States and much of the world. However, there is a substantial gap in our understanding of the ecological impacts of combining PV and grazing in these novel ecosystems. Addressing this gap, we present data from the first 2 years of a study characterizing the interacting effects of PV infrastructure with land management (sheep grazing and mowing) in the Southeastern US. We observed spatial and temporal solar radiation and precipitation patterning among micro‐zones unique to the humid‐subtropical climate region and found that the PV modules maintained higher soil moisture than in the absence of PV, across all micro‐zones, with more dramatic differences observed during drier periods. Despite the significant patterning of microclimate conditions, we found no significant difference in above‐ground primary productivity across any micro‐zones or between management treatments within the array. Three years after construction, we detected no significant difference in soil carbon stocks across micro‐zones.

Source: Earth s Future

DOI: 10.1029/2026ef009322

Authors: T. Bacon, A. C. Monlezun, N. de Vries, M. Hong, K. Paustian

Institutions: Colorado State University, Nashville State Community College

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,180