Are there any specific regions where agrivoltaics is more prevalent

Agrivoltaics is more prevalent and growing in specific regions around the world, with some areas showing particular prominence due to policy support, research initiatives, and favorable environmental or economic conditions.

Regions with More Prevalent Agrivoltaics

United States:

• Several states currently have commercial or pilot agrivoltaic projects, notably Colorado, Massachusetts, and Maine, where at least five commercial solar-crop sites operate.
• The Northeast U.S. is a hub of agrivoltaics research and deployment, including a large 10-acre, 4.2-megawatt site on a blueberry farm in Maine and various research projects in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York investigating crop performance and pollinator benefits under solar panels. New Jersey, for instance, has a state pilot program and legislation encouraging agrivoltaics on unpreserved farmland.
• The Northwest, including Oregon and Alaska, is also actively exploring agrivoltaics to help mitigate climate risks and diversify farm income. Oregon studies have shown positive crop yield effects (e.g., potatoes) and support for grazing livestock under panels, with some states allowing agrivoltaics projects even where traditional solar farm development is restricted to protect farmland.

North America Overall:

• North America holds the largest share of the global agrivoltaics market (~42.1% in 2023), driven by technological advancements and incentives. This includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where agrivoltaic market growth and research are taking place.

China and Asia:

• China has pioneered agrivoltaics since 2011 and hosts over 500 projects ranging from crop cultivation to livestock grazing and aquafarming under solar panels. The country’s policies have supported integration of PV projects with agriculture due to land scarcity.
• Regions like Hainan in China have large-scale photovoltaic greenhouses, while Inner Mongolia benefits from its high solar radiation for PV grazing projects.
• Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, is recognized as having high potential for agrivoltaics due to abundant sunlight and significant agricultural land, although implementation there is still nascent. The solar market in Southeast Asia is expanding rapidly, which could help stimulate agrivoltaics growth in the near future.

Europe:

• While Europe is mentioned as a market region in agrivoltaics studies, specific countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. show market activity, though less detailed data is provided in the excerpts.

Summary Table of Notable Regions

Reasons for Regional Prevalence

• Government policies and incentives: Massachusetts and New Jersey have explicit programs supporting agrivoltaics. China’s government policies have pushed PV-agriculture integration due to land scarcity.
• Research and pilot projects: Concentrated academic research in the U.S. Northeast and Northwest, as well as large-scale projects in China, foster knowledge and adoption.
• Environmental conditions: Regions with significant solar radiation (Inner Mongolia, Arizona in the U.S., Southeast Asia) are suitable for agrivoltaics due to high energy potential and potential crop benefits like reduced evaporation.
• Land use pressure: Areas with limited land for separate agriculture and solar development find agrivoltaics a valuable dual-use solution.

In conclusion, agrivoltaics is currently most prevalent in North America (especially the U.S.), China, and growing in parts of Southeast Asia and Europe, with specific regional strengths driven by policy, research, and environmental suitability.