SolarFoil: converting the sunlight to increase production

Added on 26 June 2023

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SolarFoil: converting the sunlight to increase production

A Dutch start-up is working on a thin, transparent, nanomaterial-based foil that converts part of the light spectrum into light frequencies that plants can use. The first trials with micro-algae yielded promising results, but SolarFoil is still in its early stages, and its potential hasn’t been explored to the fullest, writes Paola Cassiano for FCI.

Let’s start with a short lesson in light. As water and nutrients, light is an essential resource for crop growth. Depending on the crop type, it has to be available for a minimum number of hours, not exceed certain maximum levels, and be of good quality.

During winter, the natural light source given by solar radiation is often insufficient for greenhouse production, especially in Northern Europe. On the contrary, the abundant light availability in the warmer season threatens greenhouse production in Southern European countries.