Researchers Demonstrate Sustainable Tomato Farming with Solar Power

Agrovoltaic systems and regulated deficit irrigation optimize water use and generate renewable energy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:12am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the efficient integration of tomato plants, solar panels, and water flows in a sustainable agrovoltaic system.An innovative agrovoltaic system that combines tomato farming and solar energy generation offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity and the need for renewable power.Seville Today

Researchers from the University of Seville and the Polytechnic University of Madrid have developed an innovative approach to tomato farming that combines agrovoltaic systems and regulated deficit irrigation. This method reduces water consumption by up to 50% while also generating solar energy, providing a more sustainable and efficient solution to the challenges of climate change and the energy transition.

Why it matters

As global water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the agricultural sector must find ways to optimize water usage. This study demonstrates a promising solution that not only conserves water but also generates renewable energy, making it a valuable tool for the agriculture of the future.

The details

The researchers compared three irrigation methods: a control group with full irrigation, a regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) system based on the plant's water status, and an agrovoltaic (AG) system that applied the same water restriction under solar panels. The results showed that the deficit irrigation strategy reduced water consumption by approximately 50%, although this led to a 20% decrease in total tomato production. However, the agrovoltaic system's Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) confirmed that combined agricultural and electricity production is far more efficient than growing tomatoes and generating energy on separate plots.

  • The study was carried out in Madrid and Seville during the spring of 2024.
  • The results are published in the prestigious scientific journal Agricultural Water Management.

The players

University of Seville (US)

A public university located in Seville, Spain, known for its research in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)

A public technical university in Madrid, Spain, with a focus on engineering, architecture, and agricultural sciences.

Ministry of Science and Innovation

The Spanish government agency responsible for funding and supporting scientific research and innovation.

State Research Agency

A Spanish government agency that promotes and funds scientific research and technological development.

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What’s next

The researchers suggest that combining plant measurements with soil moisture sensors could further optimize these agrovoltaic systems, and they plan to continue exploring ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of tomato farming.

The takeaway

This study demonstrates that agrovoltaic systems, which integrate solar energy generation with agricultural production, can be a powerful tool for addressing the dual challenges of water scarcity and the need for renewable energy. By optimizing water usage and generating clean power, this innovative approach offers a promising path towards more sustainable and resilient food production.