Solar panels on Colombian farmland

Should solar energy be located on farmland?

Locating solar energy on farmland could significantly increase the available land for solar development, while maintaining land in agricultural production and expanding economic opportunities for farmers, rural communities, and the solar industry.

Is Colombia a good country for solar energy?

Colombia's solar resource is significant but underdeveloped to date. Installed solar capacity still represents only 1,4% of its total, but recent growth is remarkable: since 2018, its renewable energy production has increased 25-fold, and with projects underway by 2024, even greater growth is expected.

How has solar energy development impacted hydroelectric power production in Colombia?

Solar energy development has been strengthened during periods of drought, offsetting the lower availability of hydroelectric power with photovoltaic production during the months of higher solar radiation. Colombia is among the top twenty producers of hydroelectric power in the world.

How can farmers benefit from solar energy?

Farmers can benefit from solar energy in several ways—by leasing farmland for solar; installing a solar system on a house, barn, or other building; or through agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is defined as agriculture, such as crop production, livestock grazing, and pollinator habitat, located underneath solar panels and/or between rows of solar panels.