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Solar hydroponics can boost sustainable agriculture: Researchers at the National University of Colombia’s (UNAL) Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group (EM&D) have unveiled a prototype that integrates solar panels with hydroponic cultivation towers, PV Magazine writes. The modular design of the towers — which can reach up to 2.5 meters in height — enables the cultivation of 80 plants per square meter and allows vegetables to grow using rainwater, optimizing space and resources.
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How does it work? The vertical system is designed to collect rainwater, making it highly resource-efficient for agricultural production. While it is primarily intended for vegetables like lettuce, chard, and spinach, the researchers note that the solar design can be adapted for other crops or applications. For instance, in Ubaté, a dairy municipality, solar panels could be installed where cattle are kept, allowing for simultaneous energy and milk production. To address the challenge of solar panel shadows reducing crop productivity, the team is testing “semi-transparent” panels that allow more light to reach the plants.
Why does this matter? Integrating solar with hydroponics is particularly beneficial in remote areas with limited access to the electrical grid. For instance, a greenhouse equipped with solar panels can harness sunlight to power photosynthesis-inducing ‘LED grow’ lights, water pumps, and weather control systems, ensuring continuous nutrient delivery and optimal growing conditions. This can also cut down electricity bills and emissions.
There are more benefits: Hydroponic systems also significantly save water, cutting its use by up to 90% compared to traditional soil-based farming. Hydroponic systems’s controlled conditions also minimize the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, leading to healthier plants and higher yields. Solar hydroponic farms can be established in various locations, including urban rooftops and arid regions, providing fresh produce year-round.
Hydroponics are picking up regionally: Dubai-based vertical farming startup Crysp Farms — which secured USD 2.25 mn in a pre-series A funding round earlier this year — recently announced a partnership with veteran Alesca Technologies to deploy 500 AI-powered vertical farms across Mena over the next five years. Veggitech, another UAE-based agritech firm, was also considering expanding its hydroponic farming operations into Jeddah. Last year, Oman-based Nailesh Kanaksi Khimji (NKK) Investments signed an agreement with US agritech firm UrbanKisaan to boost its solar-based, vertical hydroponic farming in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
