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Solar for the Ag Community: An Agrivoltaics Workshop

April 22 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Solar panels above vegetable beds.
Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project at PEC’s Community Farm in Aldie. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC.

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

Agrivoltaics, which combines agricultural and solar production on the same plot of land, can support farmers by giving them energy independence, protecting them from rising utility bills, and diversifying their revenue streams while still keeping land in production.

Join fellow farmers, ag producers and landowners for this hands-on interactive workshop to learn more.

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.

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 (solar panels, crops, and full battery backup) 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 site viability, hardware, technical requirements, and site viability specific to your property.
    • Finance Professionals: To explore grants and financing options.
    • PEC Staff: Speak with the project developers and agricultural leads of the demonstration project.
Learn more and Register →