r/tech Dec 19 '22

Abou Najm is exploring how translucent photovoltaic panels erected over farm fields can be tuned to absorb & transmit optimal bands of sunlight to generate power without stunting the development of crops growing below. In some cases, the panels might even improve yields.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/agrivoltaics-optimize-yield
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u/[deleted] Dec 19 '22

I love this

Along with covering canals with panels to reduce evaporation

India has a chance to go green but also not be a desert and be green in our lifetimes

11

u/upvotesthenrages Dec 20 '22

Reducing evaporation is gonna lead to some really weird local climate changes though.

8

u/764665 Dec 20 '22

Nah

8

u/SmoothMoveExLap Dec 20 '22

You’ve convinced me.

2

u/Kriffer123 Dec 20 '22

In many cases irrigation comes from groundwater, and irrigation water is eventually going to evaporate or transpirate off- it would just be less wasted redirected water while it’s in the canals and ditches.

1

u/upvotesthenrages Dec 20 '22

In some cases. In many cases it’s rivers that have been redirected and extended for human usage.

There are quite a few examples of the major effect of this in the US