Solar farms, a new strategy in Sustainable agriculture

Document Type : Extension

Author

Department of Agriculture and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to get a general picture of the technology of solar farms in the integration of the agricultural sector and energy resources, along with the challenges and benefits of its use. Solar farm systems offer a symbiotic strategy for the coexistence of sustainable renewable energy and agricultural production. As emphasized in the food-energy-water nexus, solar farm developments should focus on agronomic management (crop and water management) in addition to energy management. The structure of solar farms and the advances of crop management depend on the quality of solar radiation in terms of light intensity and photosynthetic active radiation, the categories of solar farms (such as energy-oriented, agriculture-oriented, and agriculture-energy-oriented) and the perspective of stakeholders (especially farmers). Also, due to light limitation, microclimate conditions and solar structure limitations, several adjustments are required for crop selection and management. More importantly, a systematic irrigation system is required to prevent damage to the solar panel structure. In summary, solar farm developments must be carefully planned to ensure the goals of reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, mitigating the effects of global warming, and meeting food-energy-water initiatives.

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 27 February 2024

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