USA has put its first into use agrovoltaic panels. They provide shade for carrots, beets and saffron. The vertical project covers an area of 1.5 hectares with 69 vertical rack structures, each made with two bifacial solar panels spaced 9 m apart. It’s busy inside Vermont, United States, and strives to optimize the use of agricultural land. This is a collaboration between the American solar company Sun and the German agrivoltaic brand Next2Sunwhich proposes an innovative solution to combine solar energy production with agriculture.
Agrovoltaic energy: definition and what it is for
Agrovoltaic energy is a technique that simultaneously exploits the land agrovoltaic solar panels and washed. A strategy that seeks a balance between maximizing crop yield, ensuring quality and optimizing energy production. Stimulate the transition to the use of cleaner energy. Additionally, it reduces usage conflicts and ensures a more reliable electricity supply.
Loose agrovoltaic panels They differ from the traditional ones in that they are designed to accommodate different agricultural activities. On the other hand, traditional solar panels only focus on generating electricity without considering the needs of the land. Bifacial solar panels, mounted vertically, produce solar energy at regular intervals and prevent excessive use of agricultural land.
The panels provide shade, which improves crop yields. Moreover, they contribute to improving the soil. They retain moisture and prevent erosion. Vegetation creates a cooling microclimate that improves the efficiency of solar energy conversion.
Agrivoltaic panels are about to arrive
The first joint agrivoltaic project between Next2Sun e Sun Starts at Vermont in early 2024. It extends over an area of 1.5 hectares and will include 69 vertical rack structures with double-sided solar panels. Crops such as carrots, beets and saffron are planted in the middle of these panels.
There is a reason for choosing saffron cultivation. The researchers of the University of Vermont They were already promoting saffron cultivation as a golden opportunity for specialty crop farmers. It should be noted that saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
After a three-year study with traditional tilted solar panels, the university concluded that saffron is a viable crop by combining it with fixed tilted solar panels. Use now agrovoltaic panelsthe team plans to collect relevant results over the next three years, hoping to further promote this innovative combination of solar energy and agriculture.
The purpose of agrovoltaic panels is highlighted
Testimonials from the leaders of both companies about this ambitious project were presented in a press release. “The system Next2Sun It is an excellent addition to our product portfolio. Thanks to the vertical mounting of the modules and the adaptability of the installation to the needs of the farmer, the valuable land is almost completely preserved for agriculture,” said the CEO of Sun, Jeffrey Peck.
“In Sunwe have found a partner who, just like us, wants to accelerate the energy transition. With our vertical bifacial agrivoltaic system we can make an important contribution to this, especially in areas such as the northeastern United States. EE. UU. The vertical system Next2Sun always produces electricity when conventional photovoltaic systems produce less,” said Heiko HildebrandtCEO of Next2Sun AG.
Projects like these bring planet Earth closer to harnessing clean energy and promoting more environmentally friendly lifestyles. As for the results of this initiative, we will have to wait and see!