The advantages and potential offered by solar panels are increasing year by year.
Compared to the beginning, the production has seen the alternation of several changes that have allowed to increase the general performance of the panels. Lately, one search 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 below 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.
Agrivoltaico: the union between agriculture and solar panels
The advantages of the agricultural sector 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 a 90-minute drive from Nairobi (capital of Kenya). Capturing the sun twice, that's right: for energy and for plants.
