ALDIE, Va. — As Virginia faces growing pressure to both protect farmland and expand clean energy, the state’s farmers took an active role in shaping how a key term would be officially defined — before someone else did it for them.
On June 17, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill into law that gives the term “agrivoltaics” a formal, legally recognized definition in the Virginia code. The signing took place at the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows in Loudoun County — the location of Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project — and was attended by agriculture leaders and environmental advocates.
Agrivoltaics refers to the intentional combination of solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same piece of land. Prior to this legislation, Virginia had no official definition for the practice.
“By establishing clear, enforceable definitions of agrivoltaics in the code of Virginia, we are protecting farmers,” Gov. Spanberger said. “We are making clear that the use of agrivoltaics prioritizes agricultural productivity, keeps land in production for the life of the solar array, and is part of an existing farm business.”
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation worked alongside the Piedmont Environmental Council to craft the definition, ensuring that dual-use solar projects follow best management practices and that farmer input was central to the process.
“Defining agrivoltaics represents a practical path forward for farm sustainability — keeping land in production while creating new opportunities for income and energy independence,” said VFBF President Scott Sink. “When we prioritize agriculture first and integrate solar thoughtfully, we can protect our farms today and strengthen them for the next generation.”
Under the new law, agrivoltaics is defined as “the intentional co-location of agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land” that meets the following criteria:
- It is designed to prioritize and sustain agricultural productivity while incorporating renewable energy;
- It allows for the continued production and sale of farm products throughout the life of the solar array;
- It is part of an existing farm operation; and
- It gives farmers flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and operational needs.
Agrivoltaics projects can involve either crops or livestock. For instance, beef cattle can graze beneath solar panels elevated 7 to 10 feet off the ground, with panels spaced to provide shade and reduce heat stress on the animals. Some projects use sheep to manage vegetation beneath the panels.
The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows serves as a demonstration site for farmers, solar installers, developers, and policymakers. On a quarter-acre plot, vegetables including beets, broccoli, garlic, kale, and lettuce are being grown beneath 42 solar panels mounted 6 to 8 feet high. The panels supply electricity to the farm, eliminating its power bill, while battery backup systems generate additional income by selling surplus power back to the grid.
The legislation was considered a top priority by the governor and a critical issue for the Farm Bureau, drawing broad support from both political parties.
