Agri-voltaic Solar in Ireland: A Growing Opportunity for Farmers

What is Agri-voltaic Solar?

Agri-voltaic (or agrivoltaic) refers to the simultaneous use of land for both solar energy generation and agriculture. Rather than converting farmland entirely to solar, agri-voltaic systems are designed to allow continued agricultural activity beneath and between solar panels.

Why Agri-voltaic is Gaining Traction in Ireland

Ireland's planning authorities have historically been cautious about removing agricultural land from food production for solar development. Agri-voltaic addresses this concern directly by demonstrating that land can serve both purposes simultaneously.

The draft Solar Energy Guidelines signal that agri-voltaic development may receive more favourable planning treatment than conventional solar farms on agricultural land — an important policy development.

Types of Agri-voltaic Systems

Elevated Panels for Grazing

The most common approach in Ireland. Panels are mounted at 2.0–2.5m clearance to allow sheep or cattle to graze beneath. Evidence from continental Europe shows that sheep particularly benefit from the shade provided by panels during warm weather.

Row Crops Between Panels

Wider row spacing with south-facing panels allows crops to be grown between panel rows. Research suggests some shade-tolerant crops (soft fruit, certain vegetables) can achieve equal or superior yields under partial shading.

Floating Solar (Floatovoltaic)

A smaller but growing niche: solar panels on reservoirs and water bodies. Not strictly agri-voltaic but demonstrating land-use co-existence principles.

Planning Considerations for Agri-voltaic in Ireland

Evidence of Agricultural Continuity

Planning applications for agri-voltaic systems should include:

A farm management plan demonstrating continued agricultural use

Evidence of existing agricultural activity on the land

Where grazing is proposed: stocking rate calculations and veterinary/agricultural advisor input

Structural Design Considerations

Agri-voltaic mounting systems require:

Structural design for higher wind loading (less ground shielding effect)

Adequate clearance for farm machinery where required

Corrosion-resistant materials suitable for livestock environments

Appropriate foundations that do not interfere with drainage

Landscape Plan Considerations

Elevated panels may have greater visual impact than ground-level installations, particularly in open landscape settings. A Landscape Plan drawn from your LVIA findings and accurate photomontages is essential.

Income Potential

Indicative figures for Irish conditions:

**Electricity generation**: 850–1,000 MWh per MW installed per year (Irish solar resource)

**Lease income**: €700–€1,200 per acre per year (developer lease to landowner)

**Own-use electricity**: Significant saving potential for high energy-use farms (dairy, poultry, pig units)

Getting Started

The first step is an initial feasibility assessment: grid connection potential, planning policy context, and site suitability. SolarPlan Ireland provides free initial consultations for farmers and landowners exploring solar options.

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Planning Guide