Agrophotovoltaics: Combine solar panels with agriculture
It is clear that the world already needs more solar energy. It's renewable, it's clean, it's more affordable than fossil fuels, and it's creating solid jobs fast.
There are many lines of research on how we can improve the efficiency and productivity of solar panels, some less successful and other studies that are yielding quite positive data. Today, we talk about the «agrivoltaics«, Which is a term in English that coined the analysis of agriculture in combination with photovoltaic panels (Agrivoltaics = agriculture + photovoltaics).
Although it seems crazy to combine crops with solar panels, the latest studies suggest that the Solar farms combine surprisingly well with tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.. Not only do they share land and light, but they also help each other to function more efficiently.
First, we must understand that farmers have been cultivating for centuries and centuries in the best places, that is, they have lands with easy access and with lots of natural light (Abundant solar radiation).
In short … "The most productive places on Earth for solar energy are agricultural land", and not that we say so, confirms a study from Oregon State University.
The most productive places on Earth for solar energy are agricultural land
Furthermore, the conclusion of the report is quite interesting… «If less than 1% of agricultural land were converted to solar panels, it would be enough to meet the world's demand for electricity«.
Second, it is smart to balance food and energy production. If we add to this, that unlike fossil fuels, we can produce solar energy on land where food is produced without having to worry about pollution… things are starting to fit together! (Of interest the article of solar windows)
And what about farmers, is this practical for their daily work, to collect and use agricultural products? Although it will undoubtedly not be the same, three main ways of lifting the panels have been studied with the intention that the tractors can access without problems and the farmer work better …
But don't worry, there is still more. It's time to see what profits we get with this symbiosis …
What advantages does Agrophotovoltaics bring?
Although agricultural products vary widely depending on the crops, the local climate and the specific configuration of the solar panels, there are a number of similarities and windows when combining Agriculture + Photovoltaics.
- Direct sunlight. Most plants - obviously - need direct sunlight, but even they have limits. Once a plant takes full advantage of its ability to use sunlight for photosynthesis, more sunlight can actually impede its productivity (It will depend on the crop). Taking into account that you can also place panels like the following photo …
- More productivity depending on the type of crop. This study ensures that many food crops work best when they are safe from direct light… "The total production of chiltepin (a kind of chili) was three times higher under photovoltaic panels, and the tomato production was double."
- We manage to use less water. We will have shade in the agricultural land "x" hours a day, keeping the humidity for longer, that is, we can reduce the use of water while maintaining the levels of food production.
- The panel shade brings cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nighttime temperatures for plants growing underneath, as well as more moisture available in the air. With the benefits of shade, some crops under solar panels are up to 328% more efficient in using water according to this report.
some crops under solar panels are up to 328% more efficient in the use of water
- Another interesting issue is that the range of products that we can plant is broadened by reducing the hours of direct sunlight.
- Solar panels are sensitive to temperature and it becomes less efficient when it gets very hot (solar farms create a heat island effect). The crops that are under the panel emit water through the natural process of perspiration, ensuring that the panels do not reach such high temperatures, without counting on the reduction of the evaporation of the existing water in the earth.
- A new economic path for the farmer that it will not be so dependent on atmospheric conditions or pests that make it possible to run out of harvest, and therefore, without economic benefits for a year.
Case study examples
The basic idea of the Agrophotovoltaic It dates back - at least - to 1981, when two German scientists proposed a new type of photovoltaic power plant that allows for additional agricultural use. Since then, it has been studied and evolved a lot.
Last year, from Germany, in the town of Heggelbach. A structure was installed five meters high in an agricultural field. The yields of three of the four crops under the agro-photovoltaic system were higher than the traditional yield. The land use efficiency increased by 186% per hectare with the agro-photovoltaic system as we read here.
From the journal Nature "Agrophotovoltaics provide mutual benefits through the nexus between food, energy and water in drylands." The study focused on chiltepin pepper (a kind of chili pepper), jalapeño and cherry tomato plants in an area of Arizona.
To give an example of the previous case, they had a production of twice as many tomatoes or for jalapeños, they produced a similar amount both in the agro-photovoltaic system than in the traditional plot, but they did it, with a less than 65% water loss.
The «Agrivoltaica» may not be a quick solution for farmers to improve their profits, but, possibly, it is a good way to diversify their income and more if we see the news that daily hits the sector.
And we remember of interest the article on what we will do with all the solar panels when they end their life.
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