Hundreds of solar panels generate clean energy at the UL Solar Farm, but it's what's in between those panels that one researcher hopes will revolutionize Louisiana agriculture.

Vegetable crops have been planted in the shady areas between panels, with the hope they can produce a strong yield. It's a relatively new idea called agrivoltaics.

Agrivoltaics, or AV, is the science of raising crops — whether livestock or row crops — alongside solar production. In states such as Texas and Arkansas, “solar grazing” has taken off in recent years, partly because livestock can use solar panels for shade while keeping vegetation under control.

Just last month, RWE Clean Energy completed building a solar farm outside Monroe that will generate enough electricity to power 17,000 homes. A flock of abou

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