... was the idea of a Japanese engineer named Akira Nagashima.
He created a system that allowed solar panels to collect sunlight, and
... for plants to as well,
but they also were provided shade to protect crops from overexposure.
Both the solar panels and the food-bearing plants,
... receive enough sunlight to be productive, and
... provide income for Mr. Takazawa:
...... Over 10,000 per year from his solar power system, and
...... less than 1,000 from growing vegetables.
He keeps adding to his system, until his 50 kW system,
... with about 600 solar panels, located over citrus trees,
... are situated about 5 meters above ground on steel pipes,
... could bring in over 20,000 this year.
02-20-2015 Source: What is "Solar-Sharing?"
