What are Agrivoltaics—And Could they Transform Farming in Alberta?

With so many pressures facing Alberta’s ag producers—tight margins, changing weather patterns and land-use demands—efficiency has become more than just a goal. It’s a necessity. At Future Ag, we believe in bringing innovative ideas and farm equipment to the forefront, and one of the most promising developments on the horizon is agrivoltaics. 

Agrivoltaics, also called agri-solar, refers to the combination of solar energy production with active agricultural use. It means using the same parcel of land for both solar panels and farming—whether that’s growing crops, grazing livestock or managing pasture. The goal is to maximize land use while producing clean energy and maintaining agricultural output. 

This idea isn’t just theoretical. Across Canada, pilot projects are exploring how farmers can integrate solar panels into their operations without compromising productivity. In fact, certain studies show that partial shading from solar panels can actually benefit some crops, reducing heat stress and conserving soil moisture during hot Alberta summers. 

In places like southern Alberta, where sunshine is abundant and land is often flat and open, agrivoltaics has real potential. According to Natural Resources Canada, renewable energy use in agriculture is becoming increasingly important, especially as the federal government continues to roll out climate-resilience and sustainability programs. For forward-thinking producers, agrivoltaics could offer a new revenue stream while supporting long-term environmental goals. 

For this kind of innovation to work on the ground, farmers need the right tools. That’s where our trusted equipment brands come into play. At Future Ag, we proudly offer Kioti, Kubota and Toro—three names known across North America for performance, adaptability and innovation. 

Kubota is already a leader in the automation space. Their Agri Robo autonomous tractors are designed for precision agriculture and can be programmed to operate efficiently in unique layouts—like working around solar panel arrays in an agrivoltaic setup. These machines help reduce labour demands while improving field consistency, making them ideal for farms looking to integrate tech-forward practices. 

Kioti offers reliable and rugged tractors that excel in small- to mid-sized operations. With a focus on quality control and full in-house design, Kioti equipment is a strong fit for diversified farms that may be splitting land between crops and energy production. Their lineup is well-suited for tight spaces and precise work, which is essential when navigating between mounted solar infrastructure. 

Toro brings land management into sharper focus. Best known for their turf and landscape equipment, Toro's mowers and utility vehicles help producers maintain the ground beneath and around solar panel systems. In agrivoltaic settings, that kind of maintenance is more than aesthetic—it’s essential to ensuring panels remain unobstructed and systems run efficiently. 

Agrivoltaics also opens the door to potential incentive programs. Producers participating in land conservation or renewable energy initiatives may qualify for rebates, tax credits or even carbon offset opportunities. These benefits, combined with the power savings generated by on-farm solar energy, could significantly improve operating margins over time. As ABP Daily reports, Alberta’s most recent budget included increased funding for crop innovation, meat processors and ag-focused research—which speaks to the province’s broader commitment to sustainable agriculture. 

If you're curious how agrivoltaics might work with your land base, or what equipment could help you make it happen, we’re happy to walk you through it. At Future Ag, we support producers at every stage of growth—whether you're managing cattle, custom feeding, seeding broad acres or exploring new land uses for diversification. 

Explore more news, updates and ag innovation insights on our blog and media page, or connect with our team directly to talk about how our Kioti, Kubota or Toro equipment can support your next step forward. 

Agrivoltaics might not be standard yet—but the producers who adopt early could see the biggest gains. We’re here to help Alberta’s ag community lead the charge. 

Future Ag is your trusted Cental Alberta ag dealer, with locations in Coronation, Olds, Red Deer, Stettler, Stony Plain and Mayerthorpe! Our service centres offer parts and service on equipment as well as in-store machinery sales, depending on the location. Check out our Kubota, Kioti, Toro and Case IH farm equipment any time! 

Click here to find the Future Ag branch closest to you: Find My Nearest Ag Dealer