Agrivoltaic systems as a tool to improve dairy farming sustainability—A case study

This case study aimed to discuss agrivoltaic systems, advocating that this approach can serve as a tool for the sustainable intensification of dairy farming. Solar power plants generally require extensive land areas and are positioned close to the ground surface, preventing the land from being used for other productive activities. In contrast, installing photovoltaic panels on rooftops or carports can be considered a zero-space-occupying strategy, as they optimize land use by fulfilling dual functions. This concept can be extended to agriculture, leading to increasing interest in agrivoltaic systems (AVSs). AVSs represent an innovative approach that integrates photovoltaic energy generation with crop and/or livestock production in the same area. In our system, a total of 72 photovoltaic panels were installed, covering 144 m² and distributed across six paddocks (24 m²/paddock) to provide shade for grazing dairy cows. In the first 30 days of operation (26th October - 26th November/2025), the AVS generated 4,860 kWh of energy, which corresponds to 0.55 t of CO₂ emissions avoided, directly contributing to lowering the carbon footprint of milk production. Agrivoltaic systems optimize land use, enhance sustainable intensification, and have broad social acceptance. In dairy farming, installing photovoltaic panels in pasture areas not only produces clean energy by intercepting part of the solar radiation but may also improve the thermal environment for cows, offering behavioral, productivity, and welfare benefits. These findings support agrivoltaic systems as a promising strategy to improve the sustainability, resilience, and economic viability of dairy production systems, particularly in tropical regions increasingly affected by climate change.