Agrivoltaics is on the RISE

By Contributing Author August 28, 2025

Agrivoltaics, the practice of co-locating solar panels and agricultural activities on the same land, offers a unique approach to addressing both energy and food production needs, and agrivoltaics is experiencing significant growth and popularity. In the United States the area dedicated to agrivoltaics has more than doubled from 27,000 acres in 2022 to over 62,000 acres in November 2024. The global market is also growing with the market valued at $3 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $6 billion by 2030.

Agrivoltaics increases overall land productivity and maximizes landowners’ ability to utilize real estate resources. Landowners benefit from the diversified use of their land, simultaneously generating electricity, growing crops and even raising livestock for multiple potential revenue streams. Agrivoltaics also aids the environment. The shade created by solar panels reduces heat stress and water loss through evaporation, which can improve crop quality and yields, and reduce water consumption for crop irrigation. Sheep and cattle can graze in the shade of the panels, helping to control the vegetation and providing a food source for the animals.

CAB® Solar, the leader in above-ground cable management, recognized the importance of agrivoltaics and has worked with farmers to proactively design equipment uniquely fit for the safe and efficient organization of energy transmitting cables for any agrivoltaics project.

John Giffin, an Engineer and Solar Project Developer for CAB® Solar, has undergone specialized training in agrivoltaics. “Using an above-ground cable management solution is the best way to optimize agrivoltaics projects,” said Giffin. “Above-ground systems don’t disturb the soil, which promotes overall soil health and enhances the growth of crops, pollinators and forage for grazing animals. Keeping the soil and vegetation intact is extremely helpful to the environment.”

Choosing the right equipment for an agrivoltaics project is critical. Those early procurement decisions will affect both project installation costs and future O&M expenses. CAB® Solar has developed a patent protected 3D locking arm for its cable hangers that is quick and easy to install and will keep cables and wires secure for the life of the project, which also makes the habitat safer for animals.

“Our agrivoltaics solution was developed with farmers and livestock in mind,” stated Giffin. “The 3D locking arm allows our hangers to withstand the impact of livestock, keeping electric cables secure, and eliminating O&M costs of re-installing dislodged cables. Open cable hangers are very poorly designed for agrivoltaics. Animals will knock the cables loose, and owners will continually be faced with ongoing cable replacement labor costs.”

CAB® Solar’s Agrivoltaic 3D locking arm was engineered to wrap around messenger wire at three points, making cable hangers immune to livestock contact. The 3D locking arm can be added to any CAB® Solar hanger design as an enhancement, ensuring adaptability for diverse project configuration requirements.
CAB® Solar’s latest innovative solution provides a sustainable approach to cable management within the agrivoltaics sector.

To learn more about the Agrivoltaics 3D Locking Hanger Solution or see it in person, visit CAB Solar at RE+ Vegas: Booth #V9343.