Max Armstrong examines the idea of growing row crops and solar panels in the same fields.

He says Purdue University researchers have been studying the idea and have come up with a system. Most farms have enough sunlight to produce solar power.

Now, Purdue University has developed agrivoltaic structures and software for systems that will allow for both crops and energy production.

The problem is that photons between food and energy has to be shared.

Traditional structures are normally tall and require a deep foundation which also casts a shadow and does not allow crops to grow.

However, Purdue University researchers have developed agrivoltaic structures that have a dual axis system that basically pivots to allow farm equipment to pass and move as the sun moves. They are also shorter which allows the system to get the most from the sun for power and crops.

Max Armstrong's Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Max Armstrong, veteran farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.