ASHS 2025 Conference

The dissemination of agrivoltaic technology within Indigenous communities remains insufficiently understood, posing significant challenges to its successful implementation. As agrivoltaic systems continue to expand across the United States, it is imperative to examine how different social groups perceive and accept this technology. The Navajo Nation, the largest Indigenous tribe in the U.S., spans the Four Corners region, with the San Juan River Valley serving as a critical agricultural hub. To evaluate the feasibility of agrivoltaic adoption within this context, a sub-study was conducted as part of a broader Indigenous farmers’ needs assessment, focusing specifically on Navajo farmers in the San Juan River Valley. This study employed a qualitative survey consisting of eight binary-response questions to assess participants' knowledge of and interest in agrivoltaics. Results indicate that only 6% (n=126) of respondents were previously familiar with agrivoltaics, yet 88% expressed interest in learning more about the technology upon receiving an explanation. Furthermore, 73% of respondents were interested in exploring the use of photovoltaic systems to support their farms’ energy needs, although only 12% had prior experience with solar energy systems, underscoring key barriers to adoption. These findings suggest that agrivoltaic systems hold promise as a strategy for enhancing both local support for renewable energy development and food security within the Navajo Nation. However, significant knowledge gaps and limited technical expertise present obstacles to widespread implementation. The results emphasize the necessity of targeted educational and training programs to facilitate the successful integration of agrivoltaic systems. Without such efforts, adoption may remain limited due to a lack of familiarity and technical proficiency. Ultimately, this research underscores the potential for agrivoltaics to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy expansion within the Navajo Nation, highlighting the critical role of knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives in ensuring long-term success.