getting farmers to “grow” solar energy

An issue like decarbonizing the entire American economy is causing a headache not only for the federal government, but also for thousands of companies. But now they’ve come up with a solution that seems crazy but might work: it’s a way to “cultivate” solar energyand they want to export it across the planet to make it a reality this year.

An innovative technique of “growing” solar energy

Agrivoltaics combines agricultural production with solar energy production, and photovoltaic panels are built on the same land cultivated for agricultural purposes. The solar panels are raised as far as the crops can still be supported grow under them.

The panels provide shade and protection for crops. By covering the fields, the panels influence the formation of a favorable microclimate: less evapotranspiration, greater humidity and protection against hail, frost, heat waves and other extreme weather conditions.

Various crops have shown improved growth and yields thanks to agrivoltaics:​​

• Vineyards benefit reducing water demand and protection against hail and frost. Research conducted in Italy has shown up to 13% increase in quality and yields in agrivoltaic systems.
• Grow vegetables such as lettuce, kale and cabbagethey do best in partial shade, and yields increase by 5-40% thanks to the use of agrovoltaic systems.
• Shade-tolerant specialty crops like ginseng, mint and meadowsweet also do very well.
• Grasses intended for cattle grazing they grow better than other pasture plants with less water use and less stress.

By carefully designing an agrivoltaic system tailored to the needs of individual crops, major benefits can be achieved in terms of crop productivity and resilience.

More benefits than doubts: this is how agrovoltaics evolves

Agrivoltaics provides a number of benefits, making it the most attractive innovation for both the agriculture and renewable energy sectors. Here are some of the key benefits of combining solar power generation with agriculture:

• Maximizes land use: By using the same land to grow crops and produce solar energy, agrivoltaics maximizes the efficiency of arable land use. In this context, what is even more advantageous is that land is currently a commodity that is increasingly in short supply.
• It diversifies farmers’ incomes: Agrivoltaics provides farmers with an alternative source of income as they can sell the solar energy generated on their farm. This means their incomes become more diversified, making them less susceptible to crop price fluctuations.
• Improves crop resistance: Shade and shelter are provided by panels for plants grown below. This protected environment minimizes evaporation and protects plants from hail, frost, heat waves and other extreme climatic conditions.

This is how agrivoltaics works outside of America

The number of agrivoltaic ventures is growing around the world, and the discoveries across regions and crops are impressive. Here are some examples you might want to know about to get an idea of ​​the future of these ideas:

• A study conducted in 2010 in Chiba, Japan solar panels were installed along with tomato seedlings. Plants grown under the panels were shorter and required less frequent pruning. However, they provided power and tomatoes for the entire six-year period without interruption, with no long-term loss of productivity.
• In Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizonaresearchers grew hot peppers under solar panels placed at a height of more than 5 meters. Shade-grown peppers performed well in filtered light of appropriate intensity.
• In Montpellier, France, olive trees grow under solar panels at a height of 20 feet. The sheep feed on native grasses and plants below, which keep the soil fertile. The plant produces renewable energy as well as olives, lamb and wool.

What sounds strange today will soon no longer be so, perhaps by the end of the year. An issue like agriculture will no longer be a trend and will become an economic activity that will help us progress solar energy. Everything is aimed at reducing emissions; survive and adapt to the future our planet demands.