Spanish researchers have designed an agrivoltaic system that integrates hydroponic towers. The modular setup, consisting of stackable 20 cm rings, creates a structure up to 2.5 meters high, optimized for growing approximately 80 plants per square meter.
The Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group (EM&D) of the National University of Colombia (UNAL) has developed a prototype system that integrates solar panels with hydroponic towers, allowing vegetables to grow using rainwater.
“In this way, every square meter can be used to produce food and generate energy at the same time,” the researchers said, noting that the system is still in the prototype phase. “The idea is to create a structure where vegetables like lettuce, chard and spinach grow in water instead of in the ground.”
The tower has a modular design with 20cm rings stacked on top of each other to form structures up to 2.5 meters high, optimizing the space for growing 80 plants per square meter, compared to 10 with traditional methods.
The vertical layout reduces pressure on farmers by facilitating access to plants and minimizing bending, which is common in conventional farming.
The system, designed to collect rainwater, maximizes resource use for agricultural production. Although primarily intended for vegetables, it can adapt to other crops or uses.
“For example, in Ubaté, a dairy municipality par excellence, solar panels could be installed where the cattle are located and energy and milk would be produced at the same time,” the researchers explain.
UNAL researchers are tackling the challenge of solar panel shadows reducing crop productivity by testing semi-transparent panels that allow more light to reach plants, reducing the potential negative impact.
The next phase of development will involve testing the system’s resistance and durability to ensure the towers and solar panels can withstand Cundinamarca’s heavy rains and strong winds.
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