The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture announced on April 20 that a new research project will install a floating solar array at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. The project aims to examine how floating solar panels can reduce water evaporation, prevent levee embankment erosion, and avoid converting agricultural land for energy use.
The initiative is significant as it explores an alternative to traditional land-based solar installations, which often require taking farmland out of production. Researchers hope the findings will inform utility companies, investors, farmers, and policymakers about more sustainable options for generating electricity while preserving valuable cropland.
Michael Popp, Harold F. Ohlendorf Professor of Farm Management with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said: “The goals are to not convert agricultural land to solar panel use, save irrigation water and create a synergy between utility companies, solar investors, farmers and policymakers.” Popp added that floating systems are less visually intrusive because reservoir embankments block them from view. Ryan Loy from the Division of Agriculture recently discussed the project’s details in a podcast episode.
The pilot system will consist of 96 panels—70 kilowatts—covering about 0.1 acre on a 40-acre reservoir with additional panels installed on the embankment. The team is also conducting surveys among Mid-South households and farmers regarding their perceptions and willingness to pay for not diverting farmland to solar arrays; this survey runs until May 15.
Popp said potential benefits include reducing evaporation by up to half depending on coverage area and possibly limiting algal growth that can affect irrigation equipment. Floating arrays may also be more efficient in terms of space needed per megawatt generated compared to land-based systems.
Solar leases have become increasingly attractive for farmers due to higher returns than traditional tenant farming arrangements. According to Popp’s analysis using USDA data from 2024, cash rent averages $50 per acre for non-irrigated cropland versus up to $2,500 per acre possible through some solar leases.
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service supports these kinds of projects through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as state appropriations according to the official website. It delivers programs across all communities in Arkansas—including rural areas—through county offices and research centers according to its official website.
As part of the University System Division of Agriculture according to its official website, the Cooperative Extension Service operates statewide with specialists located at five university campuses according to its official website. Its mission is focused on enhancing agriculture, communities and families by applying research-backed practices according to its official website.
