MSU Launches Agri-Solar Research Initiative

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University scientists are pioneering a first-of-its-kind agri-solar research project to explore how solar panels can coexist with crop production. Funded by a five-year $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant, the project aims to help farmers save water, improve soil health, and support ecosystems while boosting revenue.

The initial outdoor lab will be established at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station near corn and soybean fields. Researchers plan to install a small array of 30 solar panels and study their effects on soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems. The long-term goal is a 15-acre facility demonstrating how underperforming field areas can be repurposed for solar energy without compromising crop production.

Led by Assistant Professor Anthony Kendall, the interdisciplinary team includes experts in hydrology, ecology, plant and soil sciences, and community sustainability. Key research areas include groundwater impacts, nutrient and fertilizer savings, pollinator habitat creation, and ecosystem benefits of native plants surrounding solar panels. Remote sensing and drones will help identify low-production areas suitable for solar installations.

The project also emphasizes community and farmer engagement. Researchers will develop tools and provide science-based guidance to help property owners make informed decisions about land use, renewable energy, and agri-solar integration.

Agri-solar is increasingly relevant as renewable energy surpasses coal in electricity generation and extreme weather disrupts crop yields. By strategically placing solar panels on low-yield field sections, farmers can maintain food production while generating additional income.

MSU’s project includes collaboration with Purdue University, Dartmouth College, the Nature Conservancy, and the American Farmland Trust, ensuring a broad perspective on ecological, economic, and social outcomes.

This research will offer practical insights for sustainable farming, demonstrating how solar energy can be integrated into agriculture, enhance soil and water management, and support pollinators, creating a model for renewable energy and farming to coexist successfully.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu