Focusing on Diamond Valley , a rural farming community facing mandatory reductions in groundwater use due to decades of over-pumping

A new study published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association highlights agrivoltaics —the integration of solar energy production with agriculture—as a potential solution to Nevada’s groundwater depletion crisis. Focusing on Diamond Valley , a rural farming community facing mandatory reductions in groundwater use due to decades of over-pumping, the study suggests transitioning previously irrigated farmland to agrivoltaic sites. This approach could simultaneously reduce water consumption, generate renewable energy, and provide economic benefits to farmers. Diamond Valley's high solar irradiation, flat terrain, and proximity to transmission infrastructure make it ideal for dual-use projects. However, challenges such as limited transmission capacity, landowner hesitancy, and policy barriers remain. The study concludes that a coordinated strategy linking groundwater rights retirement, land conservation, and agrivoltaic development could help transform the groundwater crisis into a clean energy opportunity.

Key Challenges in Nevada:

1. Groundwater Depletion:

   • Decades of over-pumping for agricultural irrigation have caused aquifer levels in Diamond Valley to drop by 100 feet in 60 years .

   • Court-mandated water restrictions will force some farmland out of production.

2. Renewable Energy Goals:

   • Nevada aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025 , creating demand for solar development.

Proposed Solution: Agrivoltaics

1. Definition:

   • Pairing solar energy generation with agricultural activities on the same land.

2. Benefits for Diamond Valley:

   • Water Conservation: Reduces water use compared to traditional irrigation.

   • Renewable Energy Generation: Utilizes already disturbed agricultural land for solar projects.

   • Economic Resilience: Provides stable income through solar leases, offsetting volatile crop revenues.

   • Environmental Benefits: Solar panels improve soil moisture retention and enable rainwater harvesting.

3. Suitability of Diamond Valley:

   • High solar irradiation levels.

   • Flat topography.

   • Proximity to existing and planned transmission lines (e.g., Greenlink North transmission line ).

   • Privately owned land, streamlining development by avoiding lengthy environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) .

Barriers to Implementation:

1. Transmission Capacity:

   • Limited grid infrastructure could strand much of Diamond Valley’s solar potential without significant upgrades.

2. Landowner Hesitancy:

   • Concerns about financial risks or environmental liabilities deter some landowners from entering solar contracts.

3. Policy and Tax Incentives:

   • Maintaining agricultural activities (e.g., dryland grazing or native grass cultivation) at agrivoltaic sites preserves reduced property tax rates tied to agricultural use rather than energy production.

4. Aesthetic and Community Concerns:

   • Agrivoltaics can address aesthetic concerns about large-scale solar farms and support agritourism initiatives.

Early Results and Viability:

1. Crop Compatibility:

   • Crops like crested wheatgrass and other forage crops can thrive with minimal water under solar panels.

2. Soil and Water Benefits:

   • Solar panels improve soil moisture retention and may facilitate rainwater harvesting.

3. Economic Gains:

   • Agrivoltaics can save farmers money compared to installing solar alone while continuing agricultural activities.