Magenta solar panels tested for broccoli cultivation in agrivoltaic trials

Researchers from Sweden and Italy have conducted a large-scale open-field experiment using semitransparent, magenta-colored cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels to support broccoli cultivation. Unlike conventional opaque silicon panels, these customized panels are designed to transmit specific wavelengths of light—specifically blue and red—that correspond to the major absorption regions of plant chlorophyll.

The study, conducted at Kärrbo Prästgård in central Sweden during the 2024 growing season, investigated the concept of wavelength-selective agrivoltaics. By allocating different portions of the solar spectrum to both crop growth and electricity generation, the researchers aimed to optimize land productivity. The experiment compared broccoli grown in open fields against crops grown under two CdTe photovoltaic systems with transparency levels of 50% and 70%.