40% more crop grows under solar panels: energy know-how in Kharkiv region

For the first time in Ukraine, a solar power plant was built in the Dergachevsky district of the Kharkiv region, under whose panels they continued to grow vegetables and other crops. The practice has shown that such a solution not only does not harm the plants, but is beneficial for them, allows you to save moisture in the soil. At the same time, it will be possible to reduce the payback period of a solar power plant from standard 5.5 to 3.5 years. An experimental solar power plant was built on a relatively small area of 400 square meters. Now it is planned to increase its size to 2 hectares (25 times).

— In this project, we embodied the achievements of scientists from the Fraunhofer Institutes, which combines the efforts of leading German universities in conducting applied research, including in the field of agrophotovoltaics (generating electric energy and growing crops simultaneously on the same areas), – said the founder of the Kharkiv energy cluster Stanislav Ignatiev. – It so happened that one of the agricultural enterprises of Kharkiv decided to acquire a solar power station in order to have its own autonomous and environmentally friendly source of electricity. But for the sake of this, the enterprise did not want to remove part of the land from agricultural circulation. We suggested trying to use the development of specialists from Germany.

— How much time did it take you to create an unusual solar power station?

— For the development of the project – two months, and another month for installation. Photovoltaic cells we ordered in China. They were installed on poles at a height of 2 to 2.2 m. This is enough to allow a standard mini tractor with an open cab to pass under them, as well as the opportunity to carry out the entire complex of agricultural work. We placed photovoltaic cells on the field so that under them there was enough light for the normal development of plants. There is a microclimate that allows you to save moisture in the soil, which means saving on watering: plants have enough morning dew for the whole day. In addition, in the hottest midday hours, panels provide them with a comfortable shadow.

— Did such a microclimate affect productivity?

— Yes, it has grown significantly due to the microclimate: creating the optimum temperature, retaining humidity and shading in the sun. Initially, the ground under the panels of a solar power plant was planted with fodder grasses. Harvested 35% more than usual. Then planted tomatoes and cucumbers. The crop was about 40% higher than the average harvest from such an area.

— Can you name the amount that this project cost?

— Yes, it took about $ 180,000. I note that after the area of the power plant is increased to 2 hectares, the agricultural company will not only fully meet its electricity needs, but will also be able to sell its surplus at the “green” tariff.

Source: fakty.ua