Agriculture Solar & Agrivoltaic Systems for Australian Farms

Agrivoltaic solar — also called agrisolar — is the practice of combining solar panel energy generation with agricultural production on the same land. Solar panels are installed above crops, vines, livestock or aquaculture systems, allowing farmers to generate clean electricity while continuing to farm underneath. In Australia, this is especially valuable because the same land produces two revenue streams: agricultural output and solar energy.

Transparent agrivoltaic solar panels allow natural light to pass through the panel to the crops and plants below, unlike standard opaque panels which block all sunlight. Sharp EIT is one of very few providers in Australia offering true transparent agrivoltaic panels suitable for vineyards, orchards, and horticultural crops. These panels enable photosynthesis to continue while still capturing solar energy.

Agrivoltaic solar is suitable for a wide range of Australian farming operations including vineyards and orchards, cattle and livestock properties, fish farms and aquaculture operations, irrigated horticulture, mixed cropping farms, and feedlots. Research shows berries, tomatoes, leafy greens, and grapes particularly benefit from the partial shade provided by solar panels in Australia's hot climate.

Yes. International research and Australian pilot studies indicate that solar panels over vineyards can improve grape quality — particularly sugar and alcohol content — by protecting vines from excessive heat. The partial shade reduces heat stress during peak summer temperatures, which is a significant advantage in Australian wine-growing regions. Transparent agrivoltaic panels are specifically designed to allow the right spectrum of light through while providing this protection.

Solar benefits livestock operations in multiple ways. Solar-powered cattle feeders eliminate the need for grid or diesel power at remote locations. Solar shade structures reduce heat stress in cattle, with research suggesting improvements in welfare and productivity. Solar also powers electric fencing, water pumps, and monitoring systems across large properties. Research has shown wool production can increase by approximately 15% when sheep graze under solar panel arrays.

Sharp EIT offers multiple finance pathways for Australian farmers including agricultural finance and low-rate loans structured around farm income cycles, CapEx and lease structures with no upfront cost options, and government incentives including Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Farmers may also be eligible for state and federal renewable energy grants. In many cases, energy savings and grid export income can exceed finance repayments from the first month.

Yes. Solar is highly effective for fish farms and aquaculture operations. Solar panels can power aerators, oxygenation systems, water pumps, and monitoring equipment — dramatically reducing operating costs. Panels installed over ponds also reduce algae growth through shading and lower water temperatures during hot months. Off-grid solar systems are particularly valuable for remote aquaculture sites without reliable grid access.

A standard solar farm replaces agricultural production — the land is used only for solar. Agrivoltaic solar is specifically designed so farming continues at the same time. With transparent panels, crops grow beneath while solar energy is generated above. The farm doesn't lose productive land — it gains an energy and income layer on top of existing operations.

Yes. Sharp EIT works with farms in all states and territories including regional NSW (Hunter Valley, Riverina, New England), Queensland (Darling Downs, Granite Belt, Far North QLD), Victoria (High Country, Murray), South Australia (Barossa, Clare Valley), Western Australia (South West, Great Southern), Northern Territory and Tasmania. We understand regional farming — our assessments come to you, not the other way around.