Nov 9, 2026, 4:36 PMIf you know a bit about hydroponics, you know how they use specific LEDs as grow lights. Because certain blue/purple wavelengths support plant growth. Now why not do the opposite? Solar panels that let these wavelengths pass while using the other parts of the light spectrum to make electricity? Result: Broccoli grows just fine. Interesting! https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2026/10/magenta-solar-panels-may-be-agrivoltaics-cleverest-trick-yet/
@jwildeboer But, the author of the article didn't actually read the paper...
> These CdTe PV cells are not inherently semi-transparent; rather,
their transparency results from the spacing between thin strips of
opaque CdTe PV cells
...
> The wavelength-selec
tive characteristic of these modules is achieved through the
use of a colored polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer encapsulant
in the glass,36 which filters the light passing through the gaps be
tween the PV cells.
Nov 9, 2026, 5:46 PM@lvl3k At least he linked to the paper so people can read for themselves. The result is however important. Well tuned solar panels don't reduce yield. The combination of power generation and healthy growth (and protection of the crops against hail ;) is absolutely possible and can raise income for farmers.
@jwildeboer
...
> any absorbed or reflected light within the
colored interlayer is not converted into electricity and is, there
fore, ‘‘lost.’
Nov 9, 2026, 5:48 PM@lvl3k But in sum it still makes economical sense. It is not a binary either/or, it is a scale between yield and electricity generation. The paper allows for better risk calculation, in my opinion.
@jwildeboer I was gonna say it needs to be benchmarked against fractional coverage with opaque cells, but then, this is it, but the color filter interferes. And these small strips would also have to be benchmarked against macro-structured agrovoltaics - what is already being used.
@jwildeboer By the way the blue-purple lighting is not much of a thing anymore. It was for LED efficiency reasons, but nowadays white LEDs (or white-purple) are used. Plants do like other light beside the chlorophyll peaks the two color solution catered to.
Nov 9, 2026, 5:52 PM@lvl3k As the article and the paper explains, it depends on the crops you grow. Having more knowledge in this area is helpful. I guess we can agree on that? Or will you question everything I say? ;)
@jwildeboer OOOOHHH!! I really like this idea!!! And it also cools the surrounding environment! Humans can be clever if they use that thing called a brain cell 🙃🤣😹
We need more innovations like this and to do things as wisely as possible to make it work for a better planet 🩷
@jwildeboer Somehow I don't think the #FossilFuels #Oligarchy will be grooving on Van-the-man's Wavelength, anytime soon.
Remove the abusers from power.
@jwildeboer there's a company offering panels for that, with first case study about strawberries on their page: https://voltiris.com/