In previous posts we have looked at ways we can have “Farming” and “Solar Energy” without having to decide on having one or the other, They can co-exist.

Yes Virginia You Can Have Crops and Solar Panels

This article showed how some farms use Agrivoltaics to combine the two systems at the same time, safely and efficiently. Solar panels are mounted above the crops providing shade and less evaporation. Ironically, crops are performing better in these instances – higher crop yields, faster growth, and less stress on the plants. It strives to remove the conflict between solar versus farming and addresses the idea of “taking prime agricultural land out of production for solar energy” head-on.

Crops can coexist with solar panels

Vertical Solar Farms Arrive

A newer technique builds solar panels that are installed vertically so they can fit beside crop rows or even in between them. They can also be used in other areas that are underused like on the side of roads and even in parking lots. Our local zoo (Toledo Zoo and Aquarium) uses a similar product throughout its parking lots.

Vertical Solar Panels for Farming

This Train Car Lays Solar Panels Between Tracks

Now in a novel use of the space available between railroad tracks, a Swiss Company has built a train that places solar panels in between the railroad tracks. It is a great video to watch!

Solar Train

The future of energy lies in our ability to harmonize multiple programs and to find ways for them to peacefully co-exist. Solar energy production and farming do not have to compete for land.

Every day new options are emerging as we deal with issues that affect the farming community – drought, increasing costs of fertilizer, energy, and land, and the competition for affordable labor.

“A choir is made up of many voices, including yours and mine. If one by one all go silent then all that will be left are the soloists. Don’t let a loud few determine the nature of the sound. It makes for poor harmony and diminishes the song.” Vera Nazarian