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The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon recently celebrated the second anniversary of Horta Solar, a pioneering agrovoltaic project that combines urban agriculture and solar energy generation.
Since March 2023, the initiative has clearly demonstrated that it is possible to integrate photovoltaic technology com food growing, promoting a sustainable and adaptable solution to the urban environment.
In addition to integrating the Solar Campus and Living Laboratory for Sustainability, the Solar Garden exemplifies how nature and technological innovation can coexist harmoniously.
Thus, the project allows us to simultaneously study the impact of shading of solar panels on agricultural crops and the effect of plants on energy efficiency of solar modules.
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Technology and nature: a relationship of mutual benefits
According to observations made over the two years of operation, the microclimate generated by plants contributes to the natural cooling of the panels, which consequently increases their photovoltaic efficiency.
On the other hand, species such as bean and locust bean perform better under the shade of the modules. Meanwhile, crops such as corn develop better in areas more exposed to direct light.
In this way, the Solar Garden serves as an experimental field to evaluate which crops adapt best to different shading conditions.
Based on this data, researchers position the plants strategically, optimizing both Agricultural production as for power generation.
Water efficiency and urban adaptation
In addition to integration with energy production, the project also tests innovative solutions for water efficiency.
Due to the shading generated by the panels, moisture retention in the soil increases, which in turn reduces the need for constant irrigation.
Therefore, the agrovoltaic model represents a viable alternative to face water scarcity in cities and arid regions.
At the same time, the Solar Garden offers a platform for studying the adaptation of agriculture to the particularities of the urban environment.
This includes factors such as reflection of solar radiation by buildings, soil quality and the air pollution levels.
In all these aspects, the project seeks practical solutions that can be replicated in other urban areas.
Education, science and permaculture at the heart of the project
While promoting innovation, the Solar Garden also functions as a living laboratory for learning and scientific research.
Since its creation, the space has involved students, teachers and researchers from different areas of knowledge.
For this reason, disciplines such as Sustainability, Solar energy e Permaculture became an integral part of the practical activities carried out in the garden.
Furthermore, continued collaboration with the team at FCUL vegetable garden and Permalab has been fundamental to the implementation of techniques regenerative agriculture.
Thus, the project unites technology, science and community action to transform the way sustainability is thought about and practiced in universities.
Community participation and social impact
While promoting scientific knowledge, Horta Solar also opens its doors to the community.
Each year, more than 600 people visit the space, among students, researchers, teachers and citizens interested in sustainable solutions.
In this way, the project transcends the university walls and positively influences urban culture.
Furthermore, the vegetable garden is part of the project DOMUS, dedicated to biodiversity monitoring on campus.
As a result, the space becomes a practical example of how to produce energy and food in harmony with the environment.
More than that, the initiative reinforces the role of universities in building a more inclusive society. resilient, conscious and sustainable.
Outlook for the future
Now that it is two years old, Horta Solar has established itself as a inspiring example of climate innovation.
The expectation is that the project will continue to grow, generating knowledge, encouraging new partnerships and training professionals prepared to face the environmental challenges that intensify every day.
Through the combination of science, education and technology, the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon proves that it is possible to transform the future with intelligent, accessible and sustainable solutions.
Therefore, initiatives like this show that the urban ecological transition depends, above all, on integration, collaboration and continuous action.
