SO L A R M AT T E RS
AGRIVOLTAICS What is it? WITH BRET DAVIS // WHOLESALE SOLAR
It is installing a solar farm over agriculture. Agriculture uses an enormous amount of resources. It takes a lot of water and energy to grow all of our food! 85% of global water consumption is used for irrigation. Water, energy and agriculture are the foundation of our existence.
Agrivoltaics address all of three components at once. This technology has improved food production and reduced water use, while also creating extra energy and additional revenue.
How does it work? Simply, the solar panels are placed over the land where crops are grown. This allows growers to harvest the power of the sun twice. The solar panels also help plants grow more efficiently by needing less water.
How exactly do solar panels help plants use less water? See, plants have a limit to how much sun they can actually use. It’s called the light saturation point. This can happen in only two hours per day. Once reached, any light beyond that point does not increase photosynthesis or help the plant grow, it only increases the plant’s water demand. It simply makes the plant sweat, which in turn makes it thirstier. So the other five sunlight hours a day are wasted on the plant. Solar panels can be positioned to allow plants just the right amount of sunlight, and then the excess sunlight can be harvested for electricity
The electricity can be used to run the water pumps for irrigation and other elements of the farming business- charging electric tractors and equipment. Any surplus energy can be stored in batteries to run the farm overnight or sent to the grid for consumer use.
It’s a win-win-win relationship between the three most foundational elements of modern life: food, water, and energy. m www.wholesale-solar.com.au
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bret has been passionate about solar as long as he can remember. With over 30 years in management roles, Bret now follows his passion to get solar installed into as many homes and business premises as he can, at the most affordable price possible by cutting out the middle man.
STILL PAYING FOR POWER ON YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS AND DON’T HAVE SOLAR?
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Right now the government is paying 50% of the upfront cost! And there is ZERO upfront cost! Meaning you can pay for it through your power savings! It’s NEVER BEEN EASIER!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL BRET ON 0410 422 922
P. 1300 459 315 www.wholesale-solar.com.au WHOLESALE SOLAR INSTALLERS PTY LTD A.C.N 626 416 215
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