Ikea sells its own balcony power plant for self-assembly.
From this week on, Ikea stores will offer a DIY balcony solar power kit for a small price. It comes with a portable battery included.
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have developed lightweight photovoltaic modules in collaboration with VOEN Vöhringer. These modules can be integrated directly into hail protection nets, which have been erected as weather protection for special crops such as fruit trees or berry bushes.
Farmers cultivating special crops like cherries, apples, or berries can now maximize the potential of their land even further. New, exceptionally light solar modules can be mounted directly onto existing hail and weather protection systems without the need to remove films or nets.
The modules weigh less than five kilograms and can be attached to existing frameworks, where nets or protective films were previously installed. When the traditional weather protection is not needed during the season, it can simply be stored under the modules without requiring additional space. This ensures proper air circulation, improves the microclimate under the canopy, and protects the plants from intense sunlight.
This solution is currently being tested on an orchard where the modules have been mounted on the existing framework across two rows of cherry trees, spanning approximately 40 meters. Harvesting is now accompanied by electricity generation, while the impact of this dual use on yield and crop management is being observed.
Another advantage is that the modules can be retrofitted on both new and existing protection systems. Their design eliminates the need for expensive specialized frameworks often required in traditional Agri-PV installations. With a capacity of up to 420 kilowatts per hectare, they offer agricultural businesses an attractive opportunity to generate additional income through solar power without consuming extra land or disrupting daily farming activities.
With material from Fraunhofer ISE