Rural
3 August, 2025
New guide to help developers and landowners blend renewables with agriculture
A NEW handbook has been launched to help landowners and solar developers unlock the benefits of combining farming with renewable energy production.
The Agrivoltaics Handbook, developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture with support from EnergyCo, provides practical guidance for integrating agriculture into solar energy projects.
The resource includes information for landowners interested in grazing livestock or growing crops and horticulture under solar panels, as well as guidelines and checklists for developers planning agrisolar systems.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said the handbook plays an important role in supporting landowners and developers within the state’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).
“Farmers who host renewable energy projects are essential to the success of our REZs. This handbook shows how renewables and agriculture can work together and provides communities with clear, practical advice,” Ms McCaughey said.
Farm Renewables Consulting Director Karin Stark said early collaboration with landowners was key to successful agrivoltaic projects.
“The handbook guides both landowners and developers from project planning and design, right through to maintenance. It’s a valuable tool to ensure renewable projects coexist with productive farmland,” Ms Stark said.
Landowners already embracing agrivoltaics are seeing benefits such as diversified income, stock shading, crop protection from heat and hail, and improved vegetation management.
The Agrivoltaics Handbook is available at:
www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/agrivoltaics-handbook
About REZs:
Renewable Energy Zones coordinate wind and solar generation in areas with efficient storage and transmission. NSW’s five REZs will support lower energy prices, new jobs, and reliable electricity as coal-fired stations retire.
