“Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it transforms from one form to another.”
The law of energy conservation is a great way to relate the partnership between agriculture and solar energy. In agro-solar synergy, sunlight (pure energy from the sun) is captured and transformed for plant growth. The law manifests beautifully that the energy from sunlight can be used to support two essential processes; power generation and food production. Agro-solar synergy is such a groundbreaking concept which a renewable energy company can use to shed light on the role it could play in revolutionizing both farming and energy production.
We do have the concept but so do we have the challenges that come with the agro-solar synergy. Few of the main challenges are figuring out solar roof installation, catering to the types of plants, analyzing growing conditions and more.
The Concept of Agro-Solar Synergy
Agrivoltaics, also known as agro-solar synergy, is the practice of installing solar panels on farmland in a way that allows both crop cultivation and energy generation to occur simultaneously. Since there is no roof there’s no hassle to figure out the best roof for solar panel installation instead the solar panels are positioned above or between rows of crops, capturing sunlight to generate electricity while still allowing enough sunlight for plant growth below.
The duality of the approach maximizes the purpose of land making a major contribution to the growing demand of food and energy globally. By producing renewable energy without sacrificing agricultural productivity, agro-solar systems are practical solutions especially for regions where land resources are limited or climate change is a concern.
The combination or the idea is not new, but agrivoltaics have been discussed for decades and they need to be promoted with time as sustainable development discussions have gained momentum.
Challenges on Building The Synergy
Despite its potential, the agro-solar synergy still has some challenges that need to be addressed, starting from economic barriers to social and cultural considerations.
Different types of plant growth
The type of crops determine whether the combination between solar panels and the plants would work or not. Solar panels will cast a shadow in the field which is beneficial for some plants and does not work for others. Different plants have different requirements and many experiments are taking place by renewable energy companies to find out what type of crops can work together with the combination. So far, agrivoltaic production seems to work with root vegetables and where sunshine is more intense solar panels can be combined with vines or olive bushes.
Battle for land
Solar roof installation takes up a lot of space for a house, imagine a farm! Solar panels are a sensible idea in a country where the battle of land is a major issue. The agro-solar synergy can resolve land conflict with the right placements and ultimately maximize food production too. The idea of an agro-solar farm is beneficial for the farmer too. In addition to the return from agriculture, a farmer can also receive a good amount from power generation by renting out land for solar panel installations.
Motion and Direction of the Solar panels
A practical combination of solar energy and agriculture needs to be experimented with the motion and direction of solar panels. The solar panels should be positioned in such a way that they can move between or above the crops to not affect them in any way. The solar panels can be fixed or they can be flexible and rotating. During the experiments, this is one of the key challenges and to also determine which motion and direction works with each crop.
Designs customized to growing conditions
Agro-solar synergy makes the field a competition for every single photon. Should the light go to electricity or photosynthesis?
The best approach to address this challenge could be using solar panels that let in more light or that are placed at a greater distance to allow sunlight to reach the plants. The choice of design makes a huge impact on the choice of crop. With the advancements available, the installation could use some sensors in the field that communicate what steps need to be taken to ensure maximized energy production and the right amount of sunlight reaches the crop in its different phases of growth.
Challenges regarding heavy machinery
Modern agriculture heavily depends on big machines so if the agro-solar synergy is to work, the solar farms should have enough space for the machines to operate. This also requires the right placement of solar panels. To resolve the issue solar panels need to be placed at a distance or high enough to let the machines pass. Well, it’s something renewable energy companies are still figuring out!
Research and Development to build the synergy
Collaboration between a renewable energy company and agriculture universities can help with the research and development to build the agro-solar synergy. Agro-solar is the sustainable future and developing methods and technology to maximize both productions, energy and food, will contribute to it. The research can address the challenges and how they can be solved, the use of large machinery and what crops can work in the combination.
Educating farmers on the technology
Technical challenges aside, it is also important to educate the farmers and get them onboard with the idea. Most farmers may not understand the concept and some don’t believe the idea could work. Farmers need to be involved along with other stakeholders for the agro-solar concept to work.
Maintaining Social Sustainability
The main idea behind the concept is social sustainability. Agrivoltaic parks could contribute to the local communities and make space for educational activities for children too. Highlighting the additional value this brings to the community on an economic and social level is crucial. If installing solar panels does not generate any profits, then nobody wants them there. Of course, one factor is the generation of more energy locally, which can give farmers more consistent and higher profits, electric power on the other hand, can make food production more sustainable.
Wrap Up
An innovative approach to the related problems of food production and a renewable energy company offering solar installations is agro-solar synergy. Using the same area for solar power generation and farming at the same time maximizes land efficiency, lessens environmental effects and helps both farmers and energy producers financially.
Agro-solar systems will probably become more significant in forming a more sustainable future as widespread awareness of resource limitation and climate change rises. The combination of agro-solar energy and modern technology has the potential to transform agriculture and energy production and create a more sustainable and optimistic future for future generations.
