2026: No Bull: Understanding Real and Perceived Barriers to Scaling Cattlevoltaics (TNC)
‘Cattlevoltaics’ combines solar energy production with cattle grazing beneath photovoltaic arrays. Social research specific to cattlevoltaics and grazing agrivoltaic systems is sparse. However, to scale up cattlevoltaics projects, real and perceived barriers to deploying cattlevoltaics within the agricultural community and solar industry must be identified. This mixed-methods social science project from Cornell and The Nature Conservancy researchers will feature in-person workshops with agricultural producers and solar developers hosted in different U.S. regions. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis will capture key beliefs and attitudes, perceived opportunities and barriers, and interest level in cattlevoltaics. The research will build a deeper understanding of how different stakeholders approach cattlevoltaics, help foster ideas to solve cattlevoltaic project challenges, and pave the way to more quickly achieve conservation and socioeconomic benefits from projects at scale.
Cornell: Richard Stedman and Kathryn Walsh (both Cornell CALS/Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment)
TNC: Morgan Higman (Climate Strategy Director) and Jakob Lindaas (Director of Climate Action, TNC Colorado)