Good Good Good · Climate & nature

Agrivoltaics: Solar Panels and Crops Grow Together in Egypt

Farmers in Egypt are experimenting with agrivoltaics, a technique that combines solar energy generation with crop cultivation, to combat water shortages and rising temperatures.

Agrivoltaics involves covering fields with solar panels to generate electricity while also providing shade for crops, which reduces water evaporation and heat stress. This approach is being tested in two pilot projects in Egypt.

Researchers globally are finding that the shade from solar panels can enhance plant growth, as many plants are adapted to dappled light rather than full sun. Projects in Egypt are testing different panel arrangements, like checkerboard patterns, to balance electricity generation with sunlight for crops.

The shade from panels also conserves soil moisture. Similar experiments in Nevada and Colorado have shown reduced water usage for crops grown under solar panels, with some crops growing exceptionally large.

The specific needs of different crops are being considered, and early results are promising. For instance, watermelons are showing significant growth in one Egyptian pilot project.

The projects aim to adapt the technology to existing community farming practices. Data on plant and panel performance will be collected to guide future deployments.

Challenges include determining the best operational models for farms, whether individual or group adoption, and deciding how to utilize the generated electricity, which currently powers irrigation equipment but could potentially support desalination plants.

Ultimately, agrivoltaics offers a way to generate electricity and grow crops on the same land, making agriculture more resilient in a changing climate.

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