Spanish Farmers Could Earn More From Solar Than Crops by 2045

Spanish farmers facing uncertain agricultural markets may soon have a profitable new option growing on their land: solar energy.

A groundbreaking study from researchers in Chile and Spain projects that solar panels could outperform traditional crops economically within 16 to 21 years. The research, set to be published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, analyzed 134 different crops across 15 Spanish regions.

The findings reveal a surprising opportunity for rural communities. As solar technology costs continue dropping, many farmers are already viewing photovoltaics as a way to stabilize their income when crop prices fluctuate wildly.

Currently, solar parks occupy just 0.2% of Spain's usable agricultural land. That tiny footprint shows there's plenty of room for both farming and solar energy to coexist.

Southern Spain could see the transition happen fastest, thanks to higher sunshine levels that make solar panels especially productive. Farmers in these regions won't need to choose between their heritage and their financial security.

The research used a sophisticated approach called "real options" that accounts for uncertainty in electricity prices and technology costs. This method gives farmers flexibility to delay decisions and adapt as conditions change, unlike traditional economic models that push for immediate action.

Spain has already started supporting this dual future. Since October 2024, agrivoltaic projects that combine farming with solar panels have qualified for agricultural subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Ripple Effect

This transition could reshape rural Spain in positive ways beyond individual farm income. Solar installations provide stable, long term revenue that helps farming families weather economic storms and stay on their land.

The shift also supports Spain's clean energy goals while protecting food production. Government regulations now prevent solar development on the most valuable irrigated farmland, ensuring prime growing areas remain dedicated to crops.

Meanwhile, marginal agricultural land that struggles to compete economically can find new purpose generating clean electricity. This creates jobs in rural areas and keeps communities vibrant rather than abandoned.

The research offers policymakers crucial data for balancing solar expansion with agricultural protection. Smart planning means Spain can pursue both energy independence and food security without sacrificing either.

Farmers gain real choice about their future rather than feeling forced out by economic pressure. Some may go fully solar, others might try agrivoltaics combining both uses, and many will continue traditional farming on their best land.

Within two decades, Spanish farmland could be powering homes across Europe while still feeding families, proving that progress doesn't require choosing between the past and the future.