Can vegetables thrive in the shade or under blue light? How can agrivoltaics and vertical solar help conserve irrigation water and boost crop yield while providing renewable energy for the country? These questions are at the core of the research conducted by Prof. Majdi Abou Najm’s team at the University of California, Davis.
To investigate these inquiries, the researchers have set up a test field where diverse plant species are grown under varying light conditions. The field is equipped with light filters that record relevant data throughout the plant growth process.
Recently, the research facility expanded to incorporate vertical solar arrays from Sunzaun. Prof. Abou Najm and his students anticipate significant discoveries in the Water-Energy-Food nexus. But what exactly is the connection between solar panels and agriculture?
Solar and Agriculture – A Perfect Match?
The practice of growing crops underneath or alongside solar panels, known as agrivoltaics or solar farming, can have a positive impact on crop yield. There are multiple ways in which solar panels influence crop growth:
Shading and Reduced Water Requirements:
Solar panels provide shade to the crops, reducing water evaporation from the soil and alleviating water stress on the plants. Some crops benefit from reduced sunlight exposure, as excessive light can lead to stress and water loss. Shading crops under solar panels can result in lower irrigation water requirements and promote efficient water usage [source: World Economic Forum].
Cooling Effect:
Solar panels intercept sunlight and create a cooling effect, regulating temperature and reducing heat stress on crops, especially during hot weather conditions. Cooler temperatures facilitate better plant growth, enhance photosynthesis rates, and improve overall crop productivity [source: Cornell University].
Protection from Extreme Weather:
Solar panels act as a protective barrier against extreme weather events like heavy precipitation or hailstorms. They shield crops from direct impact, mitigating the risk of damage and crop loss [source: Wired].
Long-Term Economic Benefits:
Agrivoltaic systems, where solar panels and agriculture coexist, offer economic advantages. The cooling effect provided by panels enhances the longevity and efficiency of solar modules, extending their overall lifespan. This longevity translates to long-term economic benefits for farmers and solar energy producers [source: Cornell University].
Research and experiments in agrivoltaics have shown promising results. For instance, studies have demonstrated successful growth of crops such as cilantro, peppers, and tomatoes under solar panels, with comparable or improved growth rates and reduced water usage compared to crops grown in open fields [source: Wired]. By combining renewable energy generation and increased agricultural productivity, agrivoltaics presents an innovative and sustainable approach to optimize land use and support food production.
Crops Next to Vertical Solar
The research team at UC Davis chose to install the panels on Sunzaun’s vertical racking structure, which offers a small spatial footprint and allows farmers to move their harvesters between the rows. Additionally, the east and west facing bifacial panels generate most of the power in the morning and afternoon, aligning better with electricity demand compared to traditional south-facing inclined systems (read our post about the duck curve here).
This research project will contribute to find out which configurations are the best combination of agriculture and solar energy. In this way, Agrivoltaics can both make food production more resilient and decarbonize the electricity supply. Sunzaun is grateful to be part of this and is excited to see the initial research results.
If you would like to learn more about vertical solar systems for agricultural applications, feel free to contact us!