Exploring the integration of solar energy and agriculture for sustainable growth: A systematic literature review.

This article systematically reviews the integration of solar energy with agriculture to promote sustainable growth, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions of sustainability. Analyzing 173 articles from 1986 to 2024, the study identifies four key research themes: the energy–agriculture nexus with its benefits and challenges; solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems and sustainability; diverse solar power applications in agriculture and influencing factors; and the transition towards agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy generation with crop production on the same land. The review highlights financial, technological, regulatory, and social barriers faced by farmers in adopting solar technologies and underscores the contribution of solar energy integration to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable clean energy, climate action, and food security. It also proposes future research directions focusing on economic analyses, social impacts, policy frameworks, and mixed-method approaches to deepen understanding and facilitate practical implementation.