Research at the Madison County solar farm in Ohio is exploring large-scale multi-use farming alongside photovoltaic solar panels. The 1,900-acre, 180 MW Madison Fields project aims to determine best practices and address concerns about solar projects taking prime farmland out of production.

Farmers could benefit financially from leasing land for solar arrays while continuing agricultural activities, potentially saving farmland from urban sprawl. Ohio State University research focuses on suitable crops like alfalfa and hay, complementary grazing with sheep, and adapting farm equipment for use between solar panel rows.

A $1.6 million Department of Energy grant is funding the research. The project aims to balance energy and agricultural production, ensuring economic viability for farmers and operational efficiency for solar facilities. Precision agriculture techniques and infrastructure needs are also being explored to help make this possible.

Read more on how solar and farming may co-exist.