Understanding Dual-Use Solar Farming Practices

Germany is pioneering agrivoltaics (also called agrophotovoltaics), a system where solar panels are installed above farmland, allowing crops to be cultivated below while simultaneously producing renewable energy. This dual-use model is especially advanced at Fraunhofer ISE in collaboration with VOEN Vöhringer GmbH. One notable pilot site is in Fronreute, where cherry orchards have been equipped with lightweight, elevated solar panels. These panels: Produce up to 420 kW per hectare, Shield crops from heat, UV rays, hail, and rain, reducing damage, Create a cooler, regulated microclimate, which often improves crop quality and lowers irrigation needs, Rely on existing greenhouse infrastructure, cutting construction costs and emissions. Smart software is also used to optimize energy production without reducing crop yields. Early data shows that yields are largely unaffected or even improved in some cases. This approach is gaining momentum across Europe and Asia, with Germany and Japan leading the field. The dual harvest system represents a major stride in sustainable agriculture and decentralized energy generation

#TechTuesdaysWithAshok - #Sheep, #SolarPanels & the Future of Sustainable #Farming With #EcoVisionaries urgently seeking climate solutions, innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. At the intersection of clean energy & agriculture, a unique experiment is redefining how we think about land use - and the results are as heartwarming as they are impactful. https://lnkd.in/gWty_DqQ At the #WellingtonSolarFarm in #Australia, researchers introduced 1,700 merino sheep to graze among solar panels. Over three years, this #agrivoltaic experiment revealed surprising benefits: ** Sheep gained natural shade & avoided heat stress ** Wool quality significantly improved in extreme weather ** Soil moisture increased due to cooler microclimates ** Vegetation thrived under solar panels ** No need for fuel-powered mowing equipment ** Land was utilized for dual purposes effectively ** Health & behavior of sheep showed notable improvement This is #TechForGood in action at #SmartFarming. The dual-use model of land delivers efficiency, sustainability & care for living systems all at once: ** Reduces farm operational costs significantly ** Boosts renewable energy production capacity ** Improves animal welfare outcomes ** Creates new revenue streams for farmers ** Reduces carbon footprint of agriculture ** Supports biodiversity and soil restoration ** Demonstrates scalable climate resilience The fusion of agriculture & technology in this way reflects a future where innovation heals, supports & elevates both ecosystems & economies. #Agrivoltaics is not just a concept; it is a clear path forward for sustainable development that respects both planet & livelihood. The big #question: Can #kindness be engineered into #innovation? #TechForGood #SustainableFarming #Agrivoltaics #SolarFarms #CleanEnergy #GreenInnovation #SmartAgriculture #ClimateAction #FutureFarming #RenewableRevolution #EcoTech #AnimalWelfare #SoilHealth #SmartLandUse #FarmingInnovation #CarbonSmart #SolarSheep #ResilientFutures #TechForPlanet #InnovationInAg

German engineers are putting a new spin on farming with agrivoltaics — a system where solar panels are installed above crops to generate electricity while still growing food. At a pilot site in Heggelbach, researchers from Fraunhofer ISE tested the setup with crops like potatoes and wheat. The results showed that not only can plants thrive beneath the panels, but the shade actually helps reduce water loss and protect against extreme heat. Meanwhile, the solar array continues producing clean energy, turning farmland into a dual-use space. It’s a practical response to rising land pressure, climate stress, and the push for renewable power. With promising early results from this German experiment, agrivoltaics could play a larger role in shaping how we grow food and generate energy in the same footprint.

🍓☀️ What do strawberries and solar panels have in common? The future of farming. In Canada, farmers are experimenting with agrivoltaics—growing crops like strawberries underneath solar panels. It’s not just a creative land use strategy. It could be a game-changer for food security, climate adaptation, and farm profitability. Key insights include: - Shade-tolerant crops like strawberries can thrive under solar panels, benefiting from moderated temperatures and reduced water evaporation. - The dual-use model allows farmers to generate renewable energy while still producing high-value crops. - Early results show promising yields and energy savings, though challenges remain with infrastructure costs and optimal panel configurations. - Experts see agrivoltaics as a climate-resilient solution for cold-climate agriculture and an important innovation for Canada’s food-energy-water nexus. The article emphasizes the potential of agrivoltaics to diversify farm income, reduce climate risk, and contribute to sustainable farming practices in northern regions. ➡️ Read the full story on the Agritecture blog: https://lnkd.in/dmPbb3it #Agrivoltaics #ClimateSmartAgriculture #Strawberries #CanadaFarming #SustainableAg #Agritecture