Rio Grande Community Farm is hosting an exciting new agrivoltaics research project in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) as well as contributors SkySun LLC, Circle Two LLC and the LA Puente Broadband Initiative. Agrivoltaics—growing crops under or adjacent to solar panels—offers a promising way for farmers to produce both food and clean energy on the same land.
This experimental project explores how solar panel shade can improve crop growth, especially in our arid climate. Researchers are testing whether the panels can reduce evaporation, lower irrigation needs, and protect plants during extreme heat—all while generating power.
Two types of panels are being tested: height-adjustable panels from SNL and fixed panels from UNM. The systems are also powering the farm’s well irrigation and booster pumps without relying on the electric grid, adding a layer of resilience to farm operations.
The participating farm, Mountain Dojo Celestial Farms, is growing chard, blackberries, tomatoes, and chile peppers under the panels.
While still in the testing phase, this project brings valuable insight into how agrivoltaics could work for small-scale production farms. We’re also learning about potential limitations—like the need for taller/adjustable panels to accommodate farm equipment. The panels will remain on-site after the study wraps in October 2025, and we hope to continue this work with future funding.
