How can agrivoltaics help Europe withstand harsh winters?

Countries in Europe facing harsh winters are also finding new ways of tapping into solar energy, such as installing solar panels at high altitudes. In such a scenario, dedicating large swathes of agricultural lands to build solar farms might seem like overkill. This is where the field of agrivoltaics has helped by dual purposing available land.

Could agrivoltaic farming be a solution?

Agrivoltaic farming could be a solution to not just one but both of these problems. It uses the shaded space underneath solar panels to grow crops. This increases land-use efficiency, as it lets solar farms and agriculture share ground, rather than making them compete against one another.

How agrivoltaic systems can help farmers in East Africa?

Elsewhere, agrivoltaic systems in East Africa are allowing farmers to make better use of land that was previously seen as unviable. An Agrivoltaic farming project in Kenya is using solar panels held several metres off the ground, with gaps in between them. The shade from the panels protects vegetables from heat stress and water loss.

Can Agri-PV combine food and solar energy production on farmland?

While in the past it was a question of either food or solar energy production on farmland, Agri-PV can combine both. This bold application unlocks dual use of cropland by integrating PV modules above the crops, enhancing climate resilience and allowing sustainable food and energy production on one single piece of land.

What is agrivoltaic farming?

Here’s all you need to know about ‘agrivoltaic farming’ Agrivoltaic farming uses the shaded space underneath solar panels to grow crops. This article was updated on 28 October 2022. Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. Scientific studies show some crops thrive when grown in this way.

Is Brite solar a new way of farming?

As Brite Solar CEO Dr Nick Kanopoulos puts it: “All of this has profound environmental implications and points to a new way of farming – one that is fully electric, runs on renewable resources, and is capable of sustainably producing the food we need to feed the future.”