Environmental Impacts of Agri‐Photovoltaics Systems on Local Ecosystems

ABSTRACT Agri‐photovoltaic (Agri‐PV) systems integrate agricultural production with solar energy generation on the same land, offering a promising response to the dual global challenges of food security and renewable energy expansion under increasing land constraints. This review critically synthesizes current scientific evidence on the environmental, agricultural, and socio‐economic impacts of Agri‐PV systems, with particular emphasis on their implications for local ecosystems and sustainable land use. Using a systematic review approach, we examine how different Agri‐PV configurations influence soil health, water use efficiency, microclimate regulation, biodiversity, and crop productivity across diverse climatic and geographic contexts. The evidence indicates that well‐designed Agri‐PV systems can enhance soil moisture retention, moderate extreme temperatures, and improve water‐use efficiency, thereby strengthening agricultural resilience, particularly in arid and semi‐arid environments. However, outcomes are highly context‐dependent, with potential trade‐offs arising from excessive shading, altered hydrology, soil compaction during installation, and ecological disturbances if systems are poorly planned or managed. Case studies from Asia, Europe, and Africa demonstrate that participatory design, adaptive system configurations, and supportive governance frameworks are critical for balancing food production and energy generation objectives. The review further evaluates the contribution of Agri‐PV systems to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), highlighting both synergies and potential conflicts. Key mitigation and policy strategies are identified to safeguard long‐term environmental integrity and promote equitable adoption. Overall, Agri‐PV systems emerge as a viable component of integrated food–energy–land strategies, provided that deployment is guided by context‐sensitive design, inclusive governance, and evidence‐based policy frameworks.