{"id":191135,"date":"2025-12-15T00:14:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T00:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-major-issue-with-installing-solar-panels-on-crops-is-shade-the-university-of-jaen-has-found-a-solution\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T00:14:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T00:14:10","slug":"the-major-issue-with-installing-solar-panels-on-crops-is-shade-the-university-of-jaen-has-found-a-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-major-issue-with-installing-solar-panels-on-crops-is-shade-the-university-of-jaen-has-found-a-solution\/","title":{"rendered":"The Major Issue with Installing Solar Panels on Crops is Shade: The University of Ja\u00e9n Has Found a Solution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Big Problem with Solar Panels and Crop Farming<\/h2>\n

In the quest to meet decarbonization goals, solar panels are increasingly populating agricultural fields. While countries like China have succeeded in merging agricultural activities with solar energy production, smaller nations face unique challenges. Spain, noted for its irrigation systems and abundant crops, is now struggling to find a balance as solar panels invade farmlands. Fortunately, researchers from the University of Ja\u00e9n have discovered a solution that enables the deployment of solar panels without hindering crop growth.<\/p>\n

Understanding Agrovoltaics<\/h3>\n

As global temperatures continue to rise, the urgency for renewable energy sources has intensified. The European Union has set a goal for 30% of its energy to come from renewables by 2030 to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. While wind energy plays a role, countries are increasingly turning to photovoltaics. However, the extensive space required for solar panels creates direct competition with farmlands. This is where agrovoltaics comes into play\u2014a method that integrates solar panels within agricultural spaces without disturbing crop cycles, and it can even coexist with beekeeping and livestock farming.<\/p>\n

Addressing Photosynthesis Challenges<\/h3>\n

The innovation developed by the University of Ja\u00e9n aims to create solar panels that allow for efficient energy production while providing crops with the necessary light for photosynthesis. A recent study<\/a> highlights this revolutionary technology. It focuses on two main parameters: average visible transmittance and photosynthetic transmittance, which dictate how much light reaches the plants after passing through the panels. Research indicates that crops function optimally when at least 60% of light reaches them.<\/p>\n

Types of Transparent Panels<\/h3>\n

The solar panel industry is currently exploring various approaches to transparency:<\/p>\n