Washington orchards look to solar technology for fruit protection

Summary

Researchers at Washington State University are exploring a dual-purpose use for solar panels: providing clean energy and protecting apples from sunburn. With a grant from the state's Commerce Department, the team aims to install solar panels at Washington’s prized orchards, particularly to protect varieties like Cosmic Crisp and Honey Crisp. The panels can also power farming equipment like electric tractors and irrigation pumps. This innovative approach, already used in Europe, could play a significant role in both agriculture and clean energy, potentially transforming the apple industry and advancing sustainable farming practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Researchers at WSU's Institute for Northwest Energy Futures aim to explore the dual role of solar panels in providing clean energy and sun protection for fruit.
• 😀 Washington State researchers received over $2 million in funding from the state's Commerce Department to experiment with solar panels for orchards.
• 😀 The project targets Washington's top orchards, aiming to prevent sunburn on popular apple varieties like Cosmic Crisp, Honey Crisp, and Granny Smith.
• 😀 Excessive sunlight can heat up apple surfaces, causing physiological damage that resembles rot, making the fruit unmarketable.
• 😀 Up to 50% of apple crops can be affected by sunburn without protective measures.
• 😀 Sunburned fruit can still be harvested, stored, and sold, but it may be damaged and unmarketable months after storage.
• 😀 With the help of Sun Agra, a European solar company, a one-acre zero-carbon demonstration system will be set up at a Wenatchee orchard.
• 😀 The solar panels, already in use in Europe, can also benefit other crops, such as wine grapes and vegetables.
• 😀 The research represents one of the largest installations of solar panels specifically designed for apple orchards.
• 😀 Researchers suggest that solar panels could power electric tractors, wind machines, and irrigation pumps for the agricultural industry.
• 😀 If successful, solar panels could help meet the clean energy demands of the future while protecting crops and providing energy solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the research conducted by WSU's Institute for Northwest Energy Futures?

The primary goal of the research is to explore the potential of using solar panels not only for clean energy production but also to provide sun protection for high-value fruit crops, like apples, in Washington State.

How much funding did Washington State researchers receive for this project?

Washington State researchers received over $2 million from the state's Commerce Department to test the dual role of solar panels for energy generation and sun protection for crops.

Which apple varieties are being targeted in this research for sun protection?

The research focuses on protecting popular apple varieties such as Cosmic Crisp, Honey Crisp, and Grant apples from sunburn damage.

How does sunlight negatively affect apples during extreme heat?

When temperatures rise, the sunlight heats the surface of the apples, causing physiological defects that can resemble rot, which damages the fruit.

What percentage of the crop can be affected by sunburn if no protective measures are taken?

Up to 50% of the apple crop can be affected by sunburn if steps are not taken to protect the apples.

What happens to the apples after they are harvested if they suffer from sunburn?

If apples are sunburned, even after being harvested and stored, they may become damaged and unmarketable after being kept in cold storage for months.

What is the location of the research orchard where the solar panel system will be demonstrated?

The research orchard for the solar panel demonstration system is located in Wenatchee, Washington.

Which European solar system company is partnering with the researchers?

The researchers are partnering with the European solar system company Sun Agra for this project.

What other crops have solar panels been used to protect in Europe, according to the research team?

In Europe, solar panels have been used to protect a variety of crops, including wine grapes and vegetables.

What additional benefits could these solar panels provide to orchard operators?

These solar panels could help orchard operators power electric tractors, wind machines, and irrigation pumps, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.