Discover how Taswira Agrovoltaics is pioneering sustainable farming and renewable energy in Africa through innovative agrovoltaic technology, benefiting farmers and the environment.
Taswira Agrovoltaics is revolutionizing agriculture and energy production in Africa through its innovative agrovoltaic technology.
This approach integrates farming with solar energy production, allowing crops to thrive beneath solar panels while generating renewable energy. This dual-purpose method addresses critical challenges in agriculture and energy, promoting sustainability and transforming semi-arid regions.
Based in the semi-arid region of Laikipia, Taswira Agrovoltaics Technology focuses on areas where water scarcity and harsh conditions impede agricultural productivity. By implementing agrovoltaic systems, Taswira not only mitigates these challenges but also supports environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The company provides affordable, durable solar panels and mounting structures, along with technicians for installation. They also offer reliable batteries, inverters, solar-powered pumps, and irrigation systems to optimize water use. Additionally, Taswira trains farmers in basic maintenance and crop selection to enhance yields.
Impressive Impact Metrics
Since its inception, Taswira Agrovoltaics has achieved significant milestones in improving local livelihoods:
- Farmers Reached: Over 100 farmers in Laikipia and other semi-arid regions have benefited from Taswira’s systems, increasing crop yields and improving food security and income.
- Electricity Generated: The company has produced over 0.5 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy, powering thousands of households and businesses, aligning with Kenya’s renewable energy goals.
- Water Conservation: By reducing evaporation through the shade of solar panels, Taswira’s systems help conserve water. Soil moisture levels in agrovoltaic systems are up to 15% higher with bi-daily irrigation and 5% higher with daily irrigation compared to traditional methods.
Benefits of Agrovoltaic Technology
- Reduced Water Consumption The shade from solar panels reduces water evaporation, helping soil retain moisture longer, crucial in semi-arid regions.
- Increased Power Generation The cooling effect of vegetation under solar panels enhances solar efficiency, leading to higher power generation. This symbiotic relationship benefits both crops and solar panels.
- Dual Land Use Agrovoltaic technology maximizes land use by combining agricultural activities with renewable energy production, ideal for areas with limited land resources.
Global Validation
This technology has been successfully tested worldwide. In South Korea, for instance, broccoli grown under solar panels showed no reduction in quality compared to traditional farming methods .
Taswira Agrovoltaics Technology is committed to advancing sustainable development in Africa. By leveraging agrovoltaic technology, the company helps farmers adapt to climate change, reduce water usage, and produce clean energy. This approach supports local communities and contributes to global climate change mitigation and renewable energy promotion.
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David Maina, Managing Director of Taswira Agrovoltaics, highlights the company’s mission: “Our goal is to create a sustainable future where agriculture and renewable energy work hand in hand.
By integrating solar panels with crop cultivation, we are improving farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. The success we have seen so far is just the beginning, and we are committed to expanding our impact across Africa.”
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