LuciSun’s Post

🌿🔋 We are excited to share some groundbreaking developments from the SYMBIOSYST Project, co-funded by the EU's Horizon Europe Programme. Our consortium is pioneering the future of #agrivoltaics, harmonizing solar energy production with agricultural practices to create sustainable, nearly zero-energy farming systems. 🙌 In collaboration with partners including LuciSun, EF Solare Italia, Institute for Renewable Energy – Eurac Research, imec, Delft University of Technology, Laimburg Research Centre , Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, KUBO Group, Laborelec, Valmont Solar, aleo solar GmbH, and FOTONIQ, we are designing and implementing four innovative agri-PV demonstrators across Europe: - Bolzano, Italy: Apple orchards with open agri-PV systems. - Scalea, Italy: Citrus fruits in open agri-PV setups. - Barcelona, Spain: Mixed crops (tomatoes, onions, fava beans, lettuce) in open agri-PV fields. - Netherlands: Greenhouse agri-PV for tomatoes. Our advanced #modeling tools, including 3D simulations and ray tracing, allow for the optimization of PV module placement and design for maximum energy efficiency and crop yield. ⚙ By integrating these technologies, we are addressing environmental considerations such as anti-ice measures and rainwater collection, and enhancing the synergy between solar energy capture and agricultural productivity. 💧🌱☀ The preliminary results are promising, showing significant improvements in both crop yields and renewable energy generation. These efforts highlight the potential of agrivoltaics to transform sustainable farming and renewable energy practices. 🎯The first results of this work have been published in a public deliverable available online: https://lnkd.in/dt7hJGY7 📣 We will also present the latest and most updated version of this work during the EU PVSEC in September 2024 in Vienna, in an oral presentation titled: "Shaping Europe's Agrivoltaic Future: Design of Four Innovative Demonstrators through Advanced Modeling in the SYMBIOSYST Project." Join us in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy! #Agrivoltaics #RenewableEnergy #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation #SYMBIOSYST #HorizonEurope

I recently came across this framework to ensure optimal design of Agrivoltaic projects — NREL's 5Cs of Agrivoltaic Success Factors. This framework is a comprehensive strategy to harmonize solar energy production with agriculture NREL’s lessons learned in their research and experience in agrivoltaics can be categorized into five primary themes, the 5Cs: 1. Climate The ambient conditions and factors of the specific location that are beyond anyone’s control. NREL findings show that solar panels can reduce soil temperature and evaporation by up to 30%, a significant factor in conserving water and enhancing crop health in our changing climate. 2. Configurations The choice of solar technology, the site layout, and other infrastructure that can affect light availability and solar generation. The type of solar technology and the layout of the installation are critical. Innovative designs can increase light availability for crops while maximizing energy production, creating a dual-benefit setup. 3. Crops The methods, vegetation, and agricultural approaches used for agrivoltaic activities and research. Not all plants crave endless sunlight. Shade-tolerant crops have been found to increase their yield by about 15% under solar panels. This partial shade helps them thrive, reducing stress and potentially extending the growing season. 4. Compatibility The compatibility of the solar technology design and configuration with the complementary and competing needs of the solar owners, solar operators, agricultural practitioners, and researchers. The design of solar systems must be flexible to accommodate agricultural activities. This compatibility ensures that both energy and crop production can coexist without compromising each other's efficiency. 5. Collaboration Understandings and agreements made across stakeholders. Successful agrivoltaic systems rely on strong partnerships across various stakeholders. These collaborations are crucial for navigating regulatory landscapes and improving community engagement. Agrivoltaics offers a promising pathway to sustainable development by integrating solar energy with agriculture. Gamechange’s GeniusTracker and MaxSpan fixed-tilt solutions are great for agrivoltaics projects. Interested in exploring how they can be integrated into your projects? Let's connect! 👉Read the full NREL report: https://lnkd.in/gk7RPnHT #Agrivoltaics #SustainableAgriculture #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #NREL #Innovation

The second module of the GLASE Greenhouse Systems Short Course on April 11 focuses on the impact of coverings on crops. Emerging technologies like agrivoltaic panels and climate screens can enhance production and be a sustainable solution for managing increasing energy costs. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gVtbdb8V Marco De Leonardis will share how Freeman Herbs has conducted multiple trials on growing sweet basil under agrivoltaic panels, taking into consideration Crop Yield, Plant Response, and Light Spectrum Conversion to evaluate whether agrivoltaics can be a sustainable solution for the prohibitive increasing energy costs in CEA. Soliculture, Inc. developed an innovative Greenhouse Integrated Solar module, LUMO, which combines photovoltaic technology and luminescent red light that generates electricity from the Sun, while maintaining the benefits of a greenhouse as well as increasing the red spectrum portion of the sunlight. This is achieved through a unique module that combines a specialized light-polarizing back sheet with bifacial monocrystalline photovoltaic cells. The light-polarizing back sheet enhances the ratio of useful light in the red & blue spectrum for an improved photosynthetic effect. Cornell University is the home of the GLASE consortium. GLASE facilitates short courses on greenhouse technology to drive the adoption of efficient practices. #greenhouse #emergingtechnologies #agrivoltaics #renewables #climatechange #resilience #advancedmaterials #webinar #engineering #plantscience #education #virtuallearning

Last week, we hosted the SYMBIOSYST Research Project Month 18 review meeting at 3E's headquarters in Brussels. 3E is advancing performance analytics, predictive maintenance, and fault detection, specifically tailored for Agri-PV solutions during the operational phase. https://lnkd.in/gTimukDj The decarbonization of the energy sector is critical, and photovoltaics (PV) are leading the way. While challenges exist in scaling PV at local levels, agrivoltaics offers a game-changing solution by combining sustainable energy with agriculture. The SYMBIOSYST project is pioneering cost-effective, adaptable agri-PV systems that harmonize with nature, ensuring a future where farming and clean energy thrive together. By learning from past efforts, we’re creating a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable world where innovation and agriculture work hand in hand to power tomorrow. Find out more on our R&D advancements in Agri PV and the impactful outcomes to come written by our colleagues Gofran Chowdhury and Maitheli Nikam 👉 //https://lnkd.in/gfvJWH4f Institute for Renewable Energy – Eurac Research, ETA-Florence Renewable Energies, Delft University of Technology, Laimburg Research Centre, imec the Netherlands, ENEA, FOTONIQ, aleo solar GmbH, LuciSun, MeBioS Postharvest KUL, Südtiroler Bauernbund Karriere, EnergyVille, Valmont Solar, EF Solare Italia, Kubo Greenhouse Projects, Above,Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)

AgriPV - What is it and why is it important?   🌿 Agrivoltaics, also known as agriphotovoltaics or Agri-PV, refers to the simultaneous use of land for both solar power generation and agriculture. This is commonly seen in Australia using sheep to graze under and around panels. This tried-and-true practice is a win-win scenario that maximizes land efficiency and promotes a greener future. See below a video from one of our Danish solar farms, Kasso, as a landowner utilises this practice to great effect.   🌱 Work is also being done to explore the potential for cropping underneath panels, as well as bee keeping and more. While the Australian landscape calls for limitations to vegetation height under panels, this an exciting space with huge potential. To further this research globally, EE has partnered with Aarhus University on a $30M DKK AgriPV study to explore this potential.   🌎 More Global Collaborations: Researchers, manufacturers, and farmers worldwide are championing agrivoltaics. Australia’s Tindo Solar collaborates with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to develop semi-transparent solar modules that benefit both agriculture and energy systems. Meanwhile, India explores AgriPV to mitigate land-use conflicts and expand renewable energy.   🌱 Shareyour thoughts: Whether you’re a farmer, scientist, or clean energy enthusiast, we’d love to hear your thoughts below.   #Agrivoltaics #CleanEnergy #SustainableFarming #SolarHarvest https://lnkd.in/gs6685WU https://lnkd.in/dBXuc6VU

Vihreän siirtymän -yritykset! Sain tällaisen viestin Saksasta. Löytyykö Suomesta yritystä, joka haluaisi liittyä tähän EU-projektiin, jolle on jo myönnetty rahoitus. #aurinkoenergia #vihreäsiirtymä #energia Nivedita Mahida- Königsdörfer Mari Kiviniemi "We are currently in the process of re-assembling a consortium for a research project on the Clean Energy Transition Partnership Call 2023 (CET), and we urgently need to find a suitable Finnish non-academic/ industry/ SME partner to join our team. We have been successful in getting researchers (Mr. Fabian Sander) from Centria University (Low Carbon Energy Team within the Chemistry and Bioeconomy department) to join the project. Background to the Project: The project was initiated to develop and demonstrate large-scale solar thermal systems for district heating with minimal land use. These so-called ‘Agri-Solar Thermal Systems’ will allow combined solar energy harvesting and agricultural use of land, answering the rising problem of limited land availability for renewable heating technologies. The project builds upon technology for bifacial solar thermal collectors which has been developed by Technical Hochschule Ingolstadt in recent years and will now be applied in first-of-its-kind demonstration plants. We believe that this approach offers significant synergies for landowners/farmers, operators and municipalities and thus promises high potential in accelerating the implementation of solar thermal district heating systems across Europe."

"A group of researchers from the University of Lisboa and the Military Academy reported on the viability of agrivoltaics in Portugal. It found that spaced rows of PV modules combined with shadow-friendly crops had the most promising return and a payback period of less than five years." To learn more about maximizing savings, reducing your environmental impact, and achieving energy independence with solar PV combined with heat pumps and AI optimization, contact the experts at Ecologic today at https://lnkd.in/dZqw9CaT 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐬𝐞 💡https://ecologicsa.co.za/ 📧 sales@ecologicsa.co.za 📱+27 21 842 0078 #EcologicSA #Sustainability #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy https://lnkd.in/dM-5shYW

Saxon Capital Group Announces The Successful Completion Of Its Four Month Greenhouse Validation Using Its Energy Glass Solar™ Panels Controlled And Accredited By Tecnova Technology Center The 5000 sq ft greenhouse in Almeria, Spain, was powered 100% off grid had less than a 5% coverage of Energy Glass Solar™ Panels. The Panels also substantially reduced EMF waves, assuring there were no adverse effects to the pollinating bumble bees or crops. “The Energy Glass Solar™ panels have demonstrated their efficacy in maintaining optimal greenhouse conditions without compromising plant growth, development, or the pollination process. The electric producing panels not only provided sufficient energy for greenhouse operations, it also did so in a manner that was harmonious with the natural growth cycles of the tomato crop. This alignment of renewable energy technology with agricultural best practices offers a promising avenue for sustainable and efficient farming practices.” (TECHNOVA CENTRO TECNOLOGICO-SPAIN) https://lnkd.in/e3vncBm8 #solarpower #sustainability #greenenergy #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #solarenergy #bipv #solarglass #solargreenhouse

🌱✨ Innovative research project in #Finland! Together with universities, Energiequelle launches the first agrivoltaic project that perfectly combines solar energy and agriculture.   Research objective: The project focuses on the optimal combination of solar energy and agriculture, which enables solar systems and agricultural activities to coexist harmoniously on cultivated land. 🚜🌞 Karl Schultheis from Energiequelle Oy sees solar modules as an opportunity to minimize risks for farmers during extreme weather events. They could promote plant growth and increase yields - just like greenhouses! 🌱🌧️ You can find more information within the press release: https://lnkd.in/des_xV8 #agriculture #landwirtschaft #renewableenergy #photovoltaik #forschungsprojekt #agrivoltaik #solarenergy

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE 75 (Part 3) HOW SOLAR ENERGY WILL TRANSFORM THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN THE NEXT TENS Two weeks ago, I started talking about the future of solar energy in the agricultural sector and how transformative, driven by advancements in technology, sustainability goals, and economic factors. Here are some more key trends shaping the future of solar energy in agriculture: 7. Financial Incentives and Policies Governments and international organizations are expected to continue promoting solar energy adoption through subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans targeted at farmers. These incentives will lower the upfront cost of installing solar systems, making the technology more accessible. In regions where solar energy is rapidly gaining popularity, policies will also encourage agrovoltaics and other innovations. 8. Improved Solar Panel Efficiency and Battery Storage The efficiency of solar panels is continuously improving, meaning farmers will need fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity. Along with advances in battery storage, which will allow solar power to be stored for use during the night or cloudy periods, the future will see a more reliable and consistent energy supply for farming operations. 9. Integration with Renewable Microgrids In the future, farms can become integral parts of local renewable microgrids, contributing excess solar energy to the grid or neighbouring areas. This could create new revenue streams for farmers, who can sell excess energy back to the grid or local consumers. 10. Global Food Security and Climate Resilience Solar energy will help address global food security challenges by enabling farmers to increase production, especially in climate-vulnerable regions. Access to affordable solar power will help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions, improve crop resilience, and enhance the overall sustainability of food systems. The reduced reliance on fossil fuels and increased energy independence will position agriculture as a key player in the global transition to green energy. What should the younger generation do now: Younger people should pursue careers/research in renewable energy and agriculture, focusing on improving solar technologies and their application in the agricultural sector as the future of agriculture is going to be heavily dependent on solar energy and so their is a lot of opportunities for young people in this space What actions should the government be taking now: Governments should fund research into improving solar panel efficiency, battery storage, and solar-powered agricultural equipment. Supporting public-private partnerships in this field will spur innovation and technological advancements. If you enjoy this type of content, follow me, Kenneth Obayuwana, for more insights. Please share or repost to help reach a wider audience. #thefutureofagriculture #agritechnology #precisionagriculture