Clean energy meets herbal farming in Xifeng county's agrivoltaic project

In Xiaozhaiba town, Xifeng county, a pioneering agrivoltaic power station has emerged, combining clean energy generation with specialty herbal farming. As Guiyang city's first "solar-agriculture integration" project, the facility demonstrates the efficiency of its "power above, crops below" model.

A bird's-eye view of the agricultural photovoltaic power station in Xiaozhaiba town. [Photo/xifeng.gov.cn]

Covering 2,650 mu (177 hectares), the Xifeng Xiaozhaiba Agrivoltaic Power Station was connected to the grid on Jan 14, 2023. Since then, it has generated a cumulative 1.82 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, including more than 701 million kWh in 2025 alone. Each year, the plant provides around 1.26 billion kWh of clean energy, significantly reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels while lowering emissions.

Beneath the solar panels, Guizhou Sancaogu Chinese Herbal Medicine Planting Co has cultivated asparagus cochinchinensis (Tian Dong), a medicinal and edible plant well-suited to shaded conditions. This innovative decision not only efficiently utilizes local natural resources but also enhances the area's ecological and economic value.

The project also delivers tangible social benefits. In Chaoshui village, over 600 mu of land was leased for the solar installation, and more than 120 villagers have gained steady employment in panel maintenance and herbal planting. This model has boosted local incomes while strengthening community engagement.

The Chaoshui village planting base of Guizhou Sancaogu Chinese Herbal Medicine Planting Co. [Photo/xifeng.gov.cn]

With the success of Xiaozhaiba, the practice of growing Chinese herbs beneath photovoltaic panels has expanded across Guizhou, now reaching 2,000 mu. In Xifeng alone, a seedling base of over 30 mu can produce 600,000 Tian Dong seedlings, which will soon supply other agrivoltaic farms, further amplifying the project's ecological and economic impact.