Planting honeysuckle under photovoltaic panels

Beneath the PV panels, a national improved variety of honeysuckles called Lonicera japonica "Yatehong LSB" is cultivated. The planting, integrated with animal husbandry, is currently yielding.

This practice of growing crops in the protected shadows of solar panels is called agrivoltaic farming. And it is happening right here in Canada. Such agrivoltaic farming can help meet Canada’s food and energy needs and reduce its fossil fuel reliance and greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

At the Xicun power plant in Yunnan province, Hong Kong-listed CLP has teamed up with local farmers to grow honeysuckle, which is used in traditional medicine, below the solar cells that sprawl over hill after hill in this mountainous region.

Solar panels have to sometimes be elevated or suspended to allow plants to grow beneath them. Another option is putting them on the roofs of greenhouses. This allows enough light and rainwater to reach the crops, as well as providing access for farm machinery.

Taking as reference the existing GPv farms, this study aims to rethink a new vegetated land cover below and around the photovoltaic (Pv) panels with high capacity to support pollination functions and potential use for agricultural activities, including beekeeping and medicinal herb production.

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6 FAQs about [Planting honeysuckle under photovoltaic panels]

How do you grow a honeysuckle?

All honeysuckle grows well in sunny, woodland areas. Honeysuckle can be planted in early spring. They enjoy sunshine and a good soil mix infused with sand for drainage and compost for food. At the beginning of the growing season, you can feed your honeysuckle a good, balanced fertilizer, but less is more with feeding a honeysuckle.

How can I avoid growing invasive honeysuckle?

To avoid growing invasive honeysuckle, it’s important to identify the differences between native and non-natives characteristics. Native honeysuckle is identified by their pink to red flowers. Stems of native honeysuckle species are solid when sliced. Look for native vining and bush varieties as opposed to the non-native types.

How far apart should honeysuckle plants be planted?

If native bush honeysuckle is available in your area, stick with those varieties. Space your bush honeysuckle plants a couple of feet apart to allow them plenty of elbow room. Bush honeysuckles will grow well in the sun or in the shade. Vining honeysuckles should be planted a couple of feet apart, too.

Can honeysuckle grow on trellises?

Honeysuckle varieties include vining types that will reach up to cover trellises quickly. There are some vining varieties that are glad to stretch out to cover the ground, too. Some honeysuckle varieties can be enjoyed in bush form. There’s a honeysuckle for everyone, and anyone can grow it easily.

When should you plant honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle is planted much like other perennial shrubs. Full or partial sunshine, some fertile soil, and mulch are the keys to remember when planting this vine. You can’t go wrong with planting honeysuckle in spring or early summer. Doing so will offer maximum time for your new plant to root and settle before the cold weather arrives.

Can you grow crops under photovoltaic panels?

Research indicates that growing crops beneath photovoltaic displays can actually yield a distinct set of agricultural and environmental benefits. Thanks to the shade provided by the panels, for example, the soil can retain more water, meaning it needs less irrigation.

Planting honeysuckle under photovoltaic panels