In Denmark, researchers at Aarhus University showed that farmers can grow crops and make solar power at the same time. In a real farm test, vertical solar panels and crops worked well together.
The study found that wheat and grass-clover grown between vertical, east-west-facing solar panels produced almost the same yield as crops in open fields. At the same time, the panels generated electricity at times that better match energy demand, morning and late afternoon.
“Even with some shade, the crops grow just as well, and they even benefit from wind protection provided by the panels,” explained Professor Uffe Jørgensen from the Department of Agroecology.
Unlike conventional tilted panels, the vertical panels take up only about 10% of the field, meaning much less land is required compared to installing food and energy systems separately. Researchers estimate that using traditional methods would require 18–26% more land.
The panels are also leaner, using fewer materials, lowering CO₂ emissions, and fitting better with standard farm equipment. Importantly, people find them more attractive too. A VR survey with 100 people found that vertical solar panels looked better.
The study shows a smart way to save land and help farmers, proving we don’t have to choose between growing food and making solar power.
Source
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-harvest-vertical-solar-panels-crops.html
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