The advantages and potential offered by solar panels are increasing year by year.
Compared to the beginning, production has seen the alternation of various changes which have allowed the general performance of the panels to be increased. Lately, one Research carried out bySheffield University and from Latia Agripreneurship Institute, has identified new methods of use.
The project focuses on the use ofagrivoltaic. We are talking about a specific technique, which makes the most of the sun's energy.
On the one hand, i agricultural solar panels they capture the sun's rays and transform them into energy. On the other hand, they shade the crops beneath them, keeping the soil moist and fertile.
Compared to the classic panels, those agrivoltaci are located in an elevated position with respect to the ground. This feature allows the plants to continue growing and, at the same time, derive energy from the sun.
Agrivoltaic: the union between agriculture and solar panels
The advantages of agrivoltaics are more positive and consistent than expected.
Not only the panels are responsible for producing solar energy, but they ensure water and food safety for the whole area.
The data reported by The Guardian is clear: the cabbages grown under agrivoltaic solar panels are one third larger and healthier than those grown under normal conditions. Less developed cities and areas could learn to use this technique to produce their own food.
Anne Macharia, head of training at the Latia Agripreneurship Institute, spoke about this issue referring to Kenya. Here are his words:
Women here can spend up to 300 Kenyan shillings (US $ 2,62) for one bodaboda ticket (motorcycle taxi) to the market only to buy vegetables worth 100 Kenyan shillings (US $ 0,87). By learning to grow their own food, they would save money and time.
A recent project, which takes the name of “Harvesting the Sun Twice” saw the implementation of solar panels in Kajiado county, about 90 minutes drive from Nairobi (Kenya's capital). Capturing the sun twice, just like that: for energy and for plants.
