As demands for renewable energy continue to grow, new and creative routes are being explored by farmers to strike a balance between sustainability and productivity.
One such instance comes in the form of agrivoltaics, which use land for generating both solar energy and agricultural produce. But is this really a feasible blueprint?
Dual-Purpose Land
Agrivoltaics is built upon a dual-purpose system where the solar panels are placed above crops or grazing areas. The panels generate power but also provide shade for the crops. This sounds counterproductive but actually prevents water evaporation and keeps sensitive crops safe from extreme heat. The land continues to produce food and support livestock, with the added bonus of additional energy generated by the solar panels.
Dairy farms in particular have seen a huge rise in usage, powering refrigeration and delivery vehicles that run on electricity, thanks to the hundreds of megawatt hours the panels can generate annually.
If farms can benefit, your home certainly can too. For solar panels Cheltenham, you can find plenty of professional services online and inquire for specifics. Check online for examples of solar panels Cheltenham providers.
Challenges
Agrivoltaics is promising, but it requires very careful planning to function effectively. Panels need to allow sunlight to reach crops, but not too much. Maintenance is also essential, as effectiveness needs to be charted and adjusted accordingly.
While it’s still in its early stages, agrivoltaics is certainly setting itself up to be a fruitful path for sustainability, giving us a glimpse into the potential future of farming.
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