In decades gone by the capacity for far-distant nations to trade agricultural goods was a far more difficult prospect. Today the global exchange of agricultural goods is done with an ease and speed that would’ve been unimaginable in bygone eras. But this too has often placed a new pressure on farmers.
It’s anticipated the years ahead will see the world become more unstable as a result of numerous factors, not the least of which the growing threat of climate change. It’s expected the survival of farming as a viable career and economic model will have growing urgency, locally and globally. It is here that solar could be such an important element going forward.
Solar agriculture allows farmers to install solar panels that offer a way to make their energy use more efficient, and directly enhance their farming capabilities. For farmers with small tracts of land especially—like is commonly seen in France—solar agriculture provides a way to offset energy bills, reduce their use of fossil fuels, and breathe new life into existing operations.
Like the solar industry as a whole, agriculture photovoltaic remains young. However, alongside installations already in full operation around the world, there have been numerous trial projects in France, Italy, Croatia, the USA, and beyond. The diversity of crops that can grow underneath the solar canopies is immensely impressive. Wheat, potatoes, beans, kale, tomatoes, swiss chard, and others have all grown successfully under solar installations. Crops not only grow successfully under such setups but can see their growth season extended thanks to the optimal conditions dual-use offers, providing additional warmth in winter and cooler climates in summer.
Although there is much to be positive about when combining the solar and agriculture industries together, there are challenges on the road ahead. For numerous farmers, the problem of installation still has been troubling them. Separating the solar installation from other areas of farming activity can see some of the best benefits of solar agriculture missed out on, but it does provide additional security surrounding the structure. This type of setup sees prime land reserved exclusively for farming, with ancillary land utilized for a solar installation. Such an arrangement can ensure the disruption to any existing farming activities is minimized.
All in all, solar alone cannot save the modern farming industry—but it can certainly be a powerful tool in helping build a strong new chapter for it in the future.
YIWU GREENWAY IMP EXP CO.,LTD is a professional manufacturer and exporter that is concerned with the design, development and production ofsolar panel, specializes in manufacturing all types of solar panels and related products. We hope to cooperate with more customer for mutual development and benefits. We welcome potential buyers to contact us.