Anne Boone, Solar Specialist

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

Agrivoltaics systems place solar arrays in agricultural fields alongside farming operations. MSU researchers are exploring the benefits and drawbacks of this technology that's new to Michigan.

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

Agrivoltaics (solar + farming) is taking off, and some crops have even shown improved yields beneath the shade of solar panels!

Panels’ shade creates microclimates beneath them, which has proven to be a superpower for the combination of solar and farming. This shade cools the ground beneath the panels, decreasing water evaporation in soil — this helps keep crops from scorching in hot sunlight and in general supports good soil health.

Read more: bit.ly/4pKI8ZK

03/03/2026

The farmer, solar developer and public all benefit from agrivoltaics.

03/02/2026

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/solar-industry-accelerates-shift-silver-costs-soar-2026-02-19/

Solar panel producers are intensifying efforts to replace silver with alternatives such as copper after silver rallied 130% over the past year, squeezing margins already under pressure from production overcapacity, particularly in China, industry experts said.