Solar for the Ag Community: An Agrivoltaics Workshop

Discover how you can integrate small-scale solar and battery backup into your farming operation with a tour of PEC’s agrivoltaics project.

Join fellow farmers, ag producers and landowners for this hands-on interactive workshop designed specifically for farmers, agricultural producers, and landowners interested in exploring ways to incorporate small-scale solar and battery backup into their [farming? business?] operation.

This event is free, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Learn more →

Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics, or growing crops and producing energy using solar panels on the same plot of land, can support farmers by giving them energy independence (especially when battery backup is added), protecting them from rising utility bills, diversifying their revenue streams through net metering (i.e. getting $ for energy sent back to the grid), and allowing them to produce energy while keeping land in production.

Pending Virginia definition of Agrivoltaics: “Agrivoltaics” means the intentional co-location of agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land that (i) is designed to prioritize and sustain agricultural productivity while simultaneously integrating renewable energy generation, (ii) allows the ongoing production and sale of marketable agricultural products throughout the solar array’s life, (iii) is a part of a farm business that is consistent with commercial agricultural production, (iv) has provisions for decommissioning to protect the land’s agricultural resources and productivity, (v) does not significantly displace farming activity, and (vi) ensures flexibility for farmers to adapt to market conditions and support operational needs”

Event Highlights

• Agrivoltaics 101: Get a grounded introduction to how solar panels can coexist with crops and livestock, while providing energy independence and cost savings.
• Site Tour: Walk through PEC’s Community Farm for an exclusive tour of Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project installed in 2025. See the technology in action and discuss the real-world logistics of installation and maintenance.
• Solar “Speed Dating”: Back by popular demand! We are adapting our successful “conservation speed dating” format to help you get moving on your specific goals. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate through tables with:
• Solar Installers: To talk hardware, technical requirements, and site viability specific to your property.
• Finance Professionals: To explore grants (like the USDA REAP grant), tax credits, and financing options.