An Irish MEP has said that ‘agrisolar’ – constructing solar panels alongside crops – could be a “win-win” for Irish farmers and climate objectives.

Seán Kelly, who is a member of the European Parliament’s energy committee, said that the agrisolar sector is a “major opportunity” that can benefit Irish agriculture and the country’s “renewable energy future”.

“As an MEP, and someone from a farming background myself, I see huge potential in agrisolar for Ireland,” he said.

“It’s a solution that addresses two major challenges: securing sustainable food production and accelerating our transition to renewable energy.”

The Ireland South MEP described agrisolar as a practice that enables farmers to cultivate crops and generate solar power on the same land.

“By placing solar panels strategically above or between crops, agrisolar maximises land use. Farmers can continue to grow food while also harvesting energy, creating new revenue streams and boosting economic resilience in rural communities,” Kelly said.

He said this type of system could also advance Ireland’s climate targets.

“To meet our ambitious 90% climate target by 2040, we need innovative solutions like agrisolar.

“This approach doesn’t just reduce carbon emissions, it supports rural economies, strengthens our energy independence, and aligns with our sustainability goals,” the MEP added.

Kelly also said that this system would improve the relationship between agriculture and renewable energy.

“The panels offer partial trade, which helps to protect crops from extreme weather, reduce water evaporation, and create a more stable microclimate. This creates a productive environment where certain crops can flourish, while also providing space for livestock grazing and pollinator habitats, enhancing biodiversity,” he said.

However, Kelly also called for more to be done to make agrisolar more accessible to farmers.

“If we want to see agrisolar truly take off, we must ensure farmers have the tools and incentives they need. This includes simplifying grid connections, streamlining planning approvals, and developing payment schemes that make the transition worthwhile,” he said.

“We need clear policies and support systems in place to enable collaboration between agriculture and renewable energy,” Kelly added.