German Farm Experiments with Hops Under Solar Panels

Sounds like a win-win situation. Solar farms are growing with the push for renewables and some people are concerned it takes away from farmland, but looks like there is a way to do both.

 

With a year behind them in this experiment I have to guess that the scientists have already looked at the changes that might have occurred in the flavor/alpha acid level of these hops with less direct sunlight. We certainly don't want to put up with bland hop flavors or a less bitterness in our beers.

 

If we're going to the expense of suspending solar panels 20 feet off the ground I would rather have canopies over our parking lots. Parking lots tend to be in or closer to urban areas that need the power most and usually have more accommodating electrical infrastructure already installed. Grid connection cost can sink many farm/rural solar projects.