The Madison Fields project in Ohio is at the forefront of innovative research exploring the coexistence of solar energy and agriculture. Spanning over 1,900 acres, this initiative is one of North America's largest test grounds for agrivoltaics, which involves farming between rows of photovoltaic solar panels. The project aims to address the pressing need for sustainable land use as urban sprawl threatens agricultural land.

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the research involves collaboration between The Ohio State University, Savion (a subsidiary of Shell) and Savion’s Between the Rows initiative. The primary goal is to develop best practices for integrating agricultural operations with solar energy production. This includes studying the health of sheep used for vegetation control, optimizing grazing rates, and assessing the compatibility of farm equipment with solar infrastructure.

Source: The Ohio State University

The research will also explore precision agriculture technologies, such as drones and sensors, to enhance crop management in solar fields. By investigating these multifaceted interactions, the project seeks to create “hay-ready” solar sites that do not compromise the safe and efficient operation of solar facilities. Ultimately, the findings aim to provide a framework for future solar projects that can benefit both energy production and agricultural sustainability, ensuring that farmers can thrive alongside renewable energy initiatives.