The article discusses the concept of “agrivoltaics,” which involves integrating solar panels into agricultural fields, greenhouses, and livestock areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This approach can help farmers reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to produce food. The article highlights that solar farms currently occupy only 0.15% of the UK’s total land, leaving vast tracts of land available for agriculture.
The authors suggest that agrivoltaics can enhance biodiversity, increase production, and reduce maintenance costs. However, the approach can also pose challenges, such as balancing the need for sunlight and crop yields. The authors propose using newer materials like organic semiconductors and perovskites, which can be customized to allow crops to receive the necessary light while generating energy.
To determine the best materials for agrivoltaics, researchers have developed an open-source tool that simulates the performance of different photovoltaic (PV) materials. The tool takes into account geographical data, light travel, and other performance measures to identify the most suitable options for specific crops and climates. By using this tool, researchers can predict the amount of power different PV materials can generate and ensure sufficient light for crops to thrive.
Ultimately, the tool can play a critical role in decarbonizing the agricultural sector by guiding the design of agrivoltaic systems. The authors suggest that future research should combine simulations with economic and environmental impact analyses to determine the most efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly ways to decarbonize agriculture and achieve global net-zero emissions.