Fraunhofer calls its unique installation, which mounts the solar panels high enough to allow farm equipment and animals to move freely underneath, agrophotovoltaics or APV. The results from the first experimental program near Lake Constance in southwestern Germany found combining agriculture and farming increased the output of the land by 60% over what it would be if the same land was devoted 100% to farming or 100% to solar panels.
According to a Fraunhhofer press release, three identical 13 kWp APV systems were constructed in various locations in Chile. Researchers were interested in finding out which plants benefited from the shading from the APV array. Sensors measured meteorological data like solar radiation, humidity, soil moisture, and ground temperature.
The first APV system was installed on a farm using very professional methods to grow broccoli and cauliflower. The solar electricity was used in the production process to clean, package and cool the produce. The second APV was installed on a family run farm that grows herbs and other crops.
The third system was set up in a remote region where access to the electricity grid is available but service is frequently interrupted. The APV plant provided electricity for seven families while providing power to an incubator for hatching chicken eggs, among other things.
So much farm land could benefit from a bit of shade and for countries with high populations this method seams to be the best...... better farm land and power in one


https://cleantechnica.com/2018/06/21/fraunhofer-experiments-in-chile-and-vietnam...

http://www.sundropfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GQJun17_Farm.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/apr/27/water-smart-farming...
Another new player in Australia driving supply of water-smart food is Sundrop Farms. The Adelaide-based firm is the first company in Australia to develop a commercial-scale operation using hydroponic technology.
“Hydroponics is a thriving industry right across the globe, with produce being grown in a huge variety of environments” says Philipp Saumweber, a former investment banker who heads up the company. As if to prove the point, Sundrop has located its 65-hectare facility in an area of virtual desert near Port Augusta in South Australia. One of the criticisms of the technology is that it is energy-intensive, what with all those indoor lights and automated heating and cooling systems. Sundrop has successfully ducked that charge by installing a concentrated solar power plant with 23,000 flat mirrors to meet most of its energy needs.
Saumweber is quick to push the water-efficiency credentials of the indoor farm too. With precious little rain or subterranean water to draw on, Sundrop has opted to pump seawater from the ocean and desalinate it. Its renewably powered desalination plant generates around 1 million litres of fresh water every day. The company also uses the seawater as a natural disinfectant, reducing the need for pesticides. None of this comes cheap, mind. Sundrop’s Port Augusta farm cost a reported A$200m. Yet Saumweber insists this high upfront investment will be offset in the long run by lower operational costs, thanks to the use of cheaper renewable energy. What can’t be argued with is the net result: 15,000 tonnes of tomatoes a year from a patch of land that is barely habitable, let alone productive.

This has to be one of the best examles or how modern farming can be..... Using the sun to power it and using sea water to gow … all in Baren land..... (about 15% of australia's truss tomatoes)

This their Website
http://www.sundropfarms.com/

So really anywhere that there is access to the ocean and lots of sunshine can be used to produce LOTS of food.It's worth reading about how little effort goes into weeding and pest control... no chemicals here
ABC report is a better run down
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-01/sundrop-farms-opens-solar-greenhouse-usin...

Small scale non-intensive power draw. Yes that works.

But only 65 Ha and $200m. Of course of there is no power there that cost would have an effect.

DonDeeHippy wrote on Feb 9^th, 2019 at 6:31am:


That would seem to indicate power is available.

Captain Nemo wrote on Feb 9^th, 2019 at 12:38pm:


That's exactly what I thought too, considering the thread's title. 

I think he means "complement", i.e. "a thing that contributes extra features to something else in such a way as to improve or emphasize its quality."

And they accuse me of being a pedant.

lee wrote on Feb 9^th, 2019 at 12:28pm:

Isn't that what the mirrors are for?

lee wrote on Feb 9^th, 2019 at 3:33pm:

Its not far from Pt Agudda so I am sure they will hook in somehow.
So are you for or against this one?