Semi-transparent, colored cadmium telluride photovoltaic panels in agrivoltaics(anthropocenemagazine.org)
347 points by speckx 2 days ago | 256 comments
tl;dr: Researchers tested semi-transparent cadmium telluride solar panels that let red and some blue wavelengths through (casting magenta light) while converting the rest to electricity, growing broccoli beneath them. Yields matched unshaded controls despite taking 25 extra days to mature, and the panels actually improved the microclimate by reducing vapor pressure deficit, boosting biomass conversion efficiency 2.8–4.5x. Macronutrient levels held up, though some micronutrients like iron and zinc dipped slightly. The study was small-scale and preliminary.
HN Discussion:
  • ↓Skepticism about agrivoltaics due to insufficient data and mixing non-ag industry with farmland
  • ↓Land isn't scarce so stacking solar with farming solves a non-problem
  • ↑Agrivoltaics makes sense at small scale for individual farm owners seeking extra revenue
  • ↑Wavelength-selective panels are scientifically fascinating and useful for applications like greenhouses
  • ~Practical concerns about harvesting logistics and tellurium material availability