Coloured solar panels could let New Zealand veg farms generate power and grow crops

A team of Swedish scientists created coloured, semi-transparent solar panels that allow enough light for crops while generating renewable electricity. When broccoli was grown under magenta panels, it achieved normal size after an additional 25 days and contained lower micronutrient concentrations. The panels produced less electricity than traditional dark-blue units, meaning farmers would need to grow extra broccoli—estimated at 1.2 to 3.2 tonnes per hectare—to balance the lost energy value.

Victoria University associate professor Ramesh Rayudu called the trial a potential game-changer for New Zealand vegetable growers, offering a way to reduce power bills or sell surplus energy. He noted that, if the economics work out, the technology could be applied to other crops such as cabbage, cauliflower and carrots. Canterbury University engineer Sharee McNab highlighted the importance of combining food production with renewable generation as land competition intensifies.