Raising a bumper crop of electrons?
Until now, acreage was designated for either photovoltaics or photosynthesis, that is, to generate electricity or grow crops. An agrophotovoltaics (APV) pilot project near Lake Constance, however, has now demonstrated that both uses are compatible. Dual use of land is resource efficient, reduces competition for land and additionally opens up a new source of income for farmers. For one year, the largest APV system in Germany is being tested on the Demeter farm cooperative Heggelbach. In the demonstration project led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, solar modules for electricity production are installed directly above crops covering an area of one third hectare. Now the first solar harvest of power and produce has been collected on both levels.
"The project results from the first year are a complete success: The agrophotovoltaic system proved suitable for the practice and costs as much as a small solar roof system. The crop production is sufficiently high and can be profitably sold on the market," explains Stephan Schindele, project manager of agrophotovoltaics at Fraunhofer ISE.
Why not cover parking lots with solar panels instead? Parked cars do not need to perform photosynthesis.
(Score: 2) by frojack on Wednesday November 29 2017, @09:27PM (2 children)
Meh, just run a grow-opp in the barn with all that juice, you'll do well.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 3, Touché) by aclarke on Wednesday November 29 2017, @09:38PM (1 child)
Been thinking about that too, since it will be legal next year. But I doubt I'll get into that, as I really don't know anything about growing cannabis. No, honestly, I really don't.
(Score: 2) by t-3 on Thursday November 30 2017, @12:41PM
It's an invasive weed in most areas (a big problem in Minnesota IIRC) you don't need to know much. I'd be interested in the fiber and oil/seed producing hemp varieties as well, I've heard that they intercrop well and make great fodder.