According to Omri Haiven, a researcher at the Clean Energy Research Group at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia has a golden opportunity to combine solar panel technology with agriculture. Haiven explains that the province possesses two ideal locations for growing food and producing energy, one directly above the other. This concept is known as agri-voltaics, which merges solar energy generation with agricultural practices.
What Is Agri-voltaics?
Agri-voltaics involves installing photovoltaic structures over farmland, allowing crops to be grown beneath solar panels. This method maximizes land-use efficiency by enabling farmers to harvest crops and generate solar electricity simultaneously on the same plot of land. Instead of viewing energy production and agriculture as competing interests, agri-voltaics integrates them harmoniously.
Benefits for Crops
Haiven highlights that solar panels can actually benefit plants. When exposed to prolonged intense sunlight, plants often reach a saturation point and expend energy protecting themselves from the sun. By adding photovoltaic structures overhead, farmers can reduce stress on crops while maintaining or even increasing harvest yields. The panels provide partial shade, which can protect plants from extreme heat and reduce water evaporation.
Potential in British Columbia
Haiven emphasizes that B.C. has perfect conditions for agri-voltaics. The combination of solar energy and agriculture could provide farmers with an additional revenue stream through electricity generation, while also improving crop resilience. This dual-use approach addresses both food security and renewable energy goals.
For more insights, Stuart McNish invited Omri Haiven to discuss the potential of agri-voltaics for farmers in a Conversation That Matters. Readers can learn more about Haiven's career at careersthatmatter.ca. Additionally, a Conversations Live event on unleashing B.C.'s economy is scheduled for May 26 at 5 p.m.
