Understanding the Social Implications of Agrivoltaics in Farmlands

Agrivoltaics (the purposeful co-location of solar panels on agricultural lands) technology shows promise for potential gains in profits and land use productivity. While regarded highly for their technical and economic benefits and potentially positive environmental impacts, a critical knowledge gap about how these systems operate within a social context creates the critical need for investigating the social dimensions of agrivoltaics. In this research, we study the unforeseen and unintended consequences of agrivoltaics implementation in terms of social, cultural, ethical, and environmental impacts. First, we examine the inconsistencies that might pose barriers to the proper assessment of energy transition planning using agricultural lands. Second, we critically evaluate the existing literature for guidance on how to approach the social and socioeconomic challenges in food–energy–water nexus systems with potential land development conflicts. Finally, we summarize the insights derived from this intense research and propose future work for developing effective strategies to holistically address critical challenges in agrivoltaics implementation in farmlands.