Double crop under solar panels: The rise of agrivoltaics in climate-resilient agriculture
Agrivoltaics combines solar power generation with food production on the same land, attracting attention as a climate change solution. Research indicates that the shade and cooling provided by solar panels can boost crop yields and enhance soil health, addressing worries about their negative effects on farmland. However, recent studies have shown the opposite:
Partial shade from solar panels helps crops in hot, dry climates by shielding them from heat and direct sunlight. As a result, yields of lettuce, tomatoes, and some tuber crops are significantly increased.
Irrigation efficiency: The shade of the panels preserves soil moisture for a longer period of time, which reduces water evaporation. As a result, the need for irrigation is reduced, which can boost the agricultural economy in water-stressed areas.
Economic dual benefits:
The agrivoltaics model is creating a dual source of income for farmers, giving them more stability in their income.
Farmers can produce electricity from their land and sell it to the grid, in addition to earning from crop sales. This helps to address the economic risks posed by crop price fluctuations.
Maximizing land use involves conducting two productive activities simultaneously, which reduces the strain on limited agricultural land. This is a shining example of sustainable land management.
Technical and policy barriers:
Some technical and policy reforms are essential for the successful expansion of this model:
High mounting panel cost: Installing panels at a higher elevation for crop cultivation raises initial costs. Innovative and cost-effective structure designs are needed to reduce these costs.
Crop-specific design: Each crop has different shade requirements. Therefore, expert advice and experimental research are needed to determine which crops will yield the best yields.
Policy support: Governments and agricultural departments should provide special subsidies, credit facilities, and expedited permitting to encourage this new model.
Agrivoltaics is a proactive approach for ensuring future food security and energy independence while addressing climate change. This model demonstrates that human society can reach creative equations to meet its economic and environmental goals.
