Washington State University has partnered with Sun’Agri to test dual-purpose solar panels in a Wenatchee orchard. Funded by a $2.4 million grant from Washington’s Department of Commerce, the project includes a 1-acre demonstration site. These agrivoltaic panels aim to prevent sunburn on apple varieties such as Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith, which can affect up to 50% of high-value crops. Additionally, the panels generate clean energy to power electric tractors, wind machines, and irrigation systems. Already used in Europe, the panels operate above crops without taking up additional farmland. Researchers estimate that deploying these systems over 10,000 acres in Washington orchards could generate over 6 GW of power, demonstrating economic viability while addressing agricultural and energy needs.