Frequently Asked
Questions
Basics of Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics is the practice of combining farming and solar energy on the same land. Farmers grow crops or raise livestock beneath and between solar panels while the panels generate clean electricity above. This “dual-use solar” approach helps farmers earn extra income while keeping farmland productive.
A traditional solar farm usually takes farmland out of production for decades. With agrivoltaics, farmland stays active. You can continue to grow crops, graze animals, or support pollinators — while also earning a steady solar lease payment.
Agrivoltaics can support crops, livestock, and pollinators. Crops are grown in the rows between solar panels, with certain shade-tolerant crops thriving under partial cover. Livestock, such as sheep or cattle, can graze under the panels, benefiting from cooler conditions. Pollinator-friendly plants can also be integrated, improving biodiversity and supporting bee populations. Each project is tailored to the landowner’s vision.
Agrivoltaics has been researched and used since 2004. Globally, more than 14 gigawatts of agrivoltaics are already installed (about 73,000 acres). In the U.S., it’s newer, but states like Maryland are encouraging projects that keep land in farming.
Design & Land Use
A lot. This is your farm, and you know your land best. Okovate works with you from the start to design a system that fits your operations and long-term goals. Your voice guides decisions on land use, crop selection, livestock integration, and equipment spacing — ensuring the project supports your farm instead of restricting it.
Hardly at all. You’ll continue farming, just between and under panels. You’ll also notice reduced water use, improved soil, and increased pollinator activity.
Yes. Agrivoltaic systems can be designed for sheep, cattle, poultry, or even bees. The panels provide shade, which helps animals stay cooler and healthier.
Every crop is different. Some may see small yield reductions, while others grow better in partial shade. Beyond yields, agrivoltaics improves soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and working conditions for farmers.
Yes, but only partially. Systems are designed so crops still get the sunlight they need. In fact, partial shading can benefit some crops by reducing heat stress, lowering evaporation, and creating a cooler microclimate.
Not unless you want to. Shade-tolerant crops may perform best, but we’ll help you evaluate which crops fit your farm plan.
Yes. Systems are designed with row spacing wide enough for tractors and harvesting equipment.
Tenant farmers can keep farming as usual. Landowners receive lease income, and tenants benefit from better soil health, water retention, and microclimate conditions. Some may also be compensated for vegetation management.
The land must remain in agriculture, but you can lease it to a tenant farmer to continue operations.
Environmental
No. Solar panels are made from glass, aluminum, and silicon — safe, non-toxic materials. Panels do not leach chemicals into soil.
Yes. Crops and animals thrive under agrivoltaics worldwide. Panels do not release harmful substances and actually help reduce heat stress and water loss.
Unlike wind turbines, solar panels don’t pose moving hazards to birds. Agrivoltaics can even increase biodiversity by creating pollinator-friendly habitats around panels.
Panels are built to withstand storms, hail, and high winds. In rare cases of damage, insurance covers full cleanup and replacement. Farmers are never responsible.
No. Systems are designed with water flow in mind. Panel spacing allows rainfall to reach the ground evenly. In many cases, shade and ground cover reduce erosion and improve soil.
Yes. Normal farming practices continue. Okovate works with you to create an Agricultural Plan that ensures equipment and inputs are used safely.
Construction & Lease Details
- Planning & Permitting: Surveys, soil tests, and permit approvals.
- Construction: Crews install racking, panels, and wiring (typically 6–12 months).
- Post-Construction: The system is tested, and farming continues around the panels.
Yes. Landowners receive $20,000 per year during construction, plus $250 per acre if crops must be removed before installation.
The LOI is a non-binding agreement that signals interest. It allows Okovate to begin feasibility studies and custom project design.
The lease is the formal agreement that begins lease payments, permits, and construction. The LOI only signals interest — it can be ended at any time.
You can continue farming until construction begins. Okovate provides at least 60 days’ notice and compensates you for any crops removed.
Typically, 30 years, with two 5-year extension options.
By law, Okovate sets aside financial guarantees for full decommissioning. All panels, posts, and equipment are removed, and your land is restored to farming condition.
Yes. The decommissioning plan ensures soil restoration and long-term farm use.
Financial Questions
Nothing. In pre-approved markets, Okovate covers all construction and financing costs. Farmers simply host the system and receive steady lease payments. To see if your farm is a match, contact Okovate directly.
Solar lease payments work much like a tenant farmer arrangement, that creates a dependable stream of income, layered on top of your normal farm operations. The process has three phases:
- Option Period (planning): You receive steady payments while Okovate completes studies, surveys, and permitting.
- Construction Period: You’re compensated while crews build the system and prepare the land for long-term use.
- Operations Period: Once the system is active, you receive ongoing lease payments while still farming your land with crops, livestock, or pollinators.
Yes. During operations, lease payments increase at an annual % each year for the life of the project.
Every farm is different, but agrivoltaics adds a reliable secondary income stream on top of your existing farm revenue. Lease payments are fixed and increase over time, providing stability through changing crop yields, weather, and markets.
Solar can increase property value, but Okovate covers any added property tax costs from the solar equipment. Your tax amount obligations will not change.
The solar lease transfers with the land. You receive payments until the sale, and the new owner continues receiving them afterward.
Okovate sets aside financial guarantees for full decommissioning. All panels, posts, and equipment are removed, and your land is restored to farming condition. Often, we are required by the County or State to issue a decommissioning bond to further the financial guarantee to remove the system.
Yes. The decommissioning plan ensures soil restoration and long-term farm use.
Legal & Protections
You’re not responsible. Okovate and our partners act as project managers for operations and maintenance. If panels are damaged by storms, accidents, or normal farming conditions, repairs and replacements are handled at no cost to you.
No. The solar project is fully insured by the project owner. Farmers may choose optional crop or livestock insurance, but that will be dependent on the agricultural operation.
Yes — and we encourage it. Okovate supports farmers having independent legal review of lease agreements and will contribute to cover a portion of legal fees.