Apr 24, 2025
Strawberries and Solar Power: A Sweet Deal for Farmers and the Planet
Can we grow delicious strawberries while also generating clean energy? New research says yes—and the results are even sweeter than expected.
A recent study published in Solar Energy by Uzair Jamil and Joshua M. Pearce (ScienceDirect, 2024) explored how strawberry plants respond to varying levels of light when grown under thin-film cadmium telluride (Cd-Te) photovoltaic (PV) modules. These semitransparent solar panels were tested at seven transparency levels—10%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%—in a controlled indoor setting designed to replicate outdoor conditions in London, Ontario.
The goal? To determine whether strawberries can thrive while solar panels above generate clean electricity—a dual-purpose solution known as agrivoltaics.
The results were compelling. Strawberries grown under the 70% transparent PV modules produced a fresh weight 140.6% of the average control, while even the 40% transparent panels sustained yields above 80% of the control, making them compliant with agrivoltaic crop production mandates. Increased panel transparency also correlated with a higher number of leaves, while effects on plant height were more complex.
If widely adopted across Canadian strawberry farms, these systems could generate 595 to 1,786 GWh of clean electricity annually—reducing emissions and even allowing farms to become net energy exporters. On a global scale, the potential grows to 58 to 173 TWh of solar electricity, potentially slashing emissions by up to 82 million metric tons per year.
This study marks a critical step in bringing agrivoltaics to northern climates—proving that sustainable strawberry production and solar energy can go hand in hand.
Bigger Berries with Balanced Light
Each level of panel transparency led to different amounts of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)—the kind of light plants use to grow. The team measured key plant traits like fresh weight, height, number of leaves, and flower count.
The standout result? Strawberries grown under the 70% transparent panels produced 40.6% more fresh weight than the average control group grown without any shading. Even the 40% transparent panels allowed plants to yield more than 80% of the control group, making them acceptable in areas with rules about minimum crop yields under agrivoltaic systems.
The 70% transparency seemed to hit the perfect balance. It let in enough light for strong growth, but also provided partial shade—something strawberries apparently like. Full sun can sometimes be too much, especially on hot days, so the filtered light may have protected the plants while still giving them what they needed.
In fact, some strawberries grown under these conditions outperformed the traditional setup without solar panels. This is an exciting discovery because it means we can grow food and generate energy on the same land—without sacrificing crop yields.
Energy from the Farm
The benefits don’t stop with better berries. These transparent panels can also produce solar electricity, helping farms become more energy-efficient and climate-friendly.
Using a solar modeling tool, researchers estimated the electricity generation potential of strawberry farms in Canada if they installed solar panels with transparency levels above 40%. Depending on the panel type used, these farms could produce between 595 and 1,786 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity each year. That’s enough to power thousands of homes.
And there’s more—this energy would come with a major side benefit: a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. If the solar power replaces electricity from fossil fuels, it could cut carbon emissions by 65,000 to 196,000 metric tons per year in Canada alone.
On a global scale, if strawberry farms everywhere adopted similar systems, we could generate up to 173 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions by up to 82 million metric tons. That’s a big step toward fighting climate change.
More Than Just Energy: Better Income, Lower Food Prices
Agrivoltaics—growing crops under solar panels—is about more than energy. It’s about reimagining agriculture in a way that helps both farmers and the environment.
For farmers, installing solar panels means another source of income, especially during seasons when crop sales are lower. It can also reduce energy bills, which are a big cost on many farms. If enough power is produced, farms might even sell electricity back to the grid, becoming net energy exporters.
For consumers, increased energy efficiency and land-use optimization could help stabilize or lower food prices, especially as climate pressures rise.
Leading the Way in Northern Climates
This research is the first of its kind to study how these Cd-Te solar panels perform for strawberries in northern climates. Until now, most agrivoltaic research has focused on sunny regions like the Mediterranean or southwestern U.S. This study shows that even in places like Canada, agrivoltaics can work—and work well.
By identifying transparency levels that support both crop growth and energy production, the research lays the groundwork for customizing solar panels for different crops and regions. This could help guide government policies, inform solar manufacturers, and support smart investment in agricultural infrastructure.
Next Steps: Take It Outdoors
While the results are promising, it’s important to note that this study was done indoors, in a controlled environment. That means weather, wind, and other real-world conditions weren’t part of the experiment. The researchers suggest that future work should focus on field trials, which would help confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of different light conditions.
Still, this study marks a big step forward in combining food and energy production on the same land—something that will become increasingly important as we face a growing population and a changing climate.
A Future of Solar-Powered Strawberries
Imagine a future where strawberry fields are lined with elegant rows of solar panels, producing fresh berries below and clean energy above. Farms could become power plants, rural communities could become energy hubs, and the planet could benefit from every bite.
With the right technology, thoughtful design, and farmer-friendly policies, agrivoltaics might just be the sweetest solution to some of our toughest challenges.
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