Can solar power make Korean farms more economically sustainable?

The press conference was hosted by Hanwha Solutions' Q Cells Division and the state-run Korea Energy Agency, which cooperated in supplying the solar power modules for the agrivoltaic project, to make Korean farms more economically sustainable by creating a new source of income.

How many solar panels are in a rice paddy in South Gyeongsang?

Courtesy of Hanwha Solutions HAMYANG, South Gyeongsang Province ― Hundreds of rectangular solar modules have been put on three-meter poles standing in a 3,000-square-meter rice paddy in the small village of Gidong in Hamyang County, Thursday. Below the array, a farmer drives a combine to harvest rice for the forthcoming Chuseok holiday next week.

Are South Korea's crops ripe for harvest?

With the first signs of spring still a month away, Kim’s crops are already ripe for harvest. In fact, they always are, as long as there’s sunlight. Kim, 61, is a solar farmer, part of a nascent movement with the potential to transform both agriculture and energy in South Korea.

Who makes solar panels in South Korea?

Some of the country’s biggest companies — many of which manufacture renewable energy hardware such as solar panels, wind turbines and batteries — are getting in on the action too. Hanwha Solar Power is a subsidiary of the Hanwha Group, one of South Korea’s largest chaebol, or family-run conglomerates.

Is floating solar a viable option in South Korea?

“Floating solar is increasingly a popular option in countries such as South Korea, where land regulations and pricing as well as local opposition has made it increasingly difficult to build utility-scale projects,” said Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, a BloombergNEF analyst.

Does South Korea need a solar power plant?

While solar is South Korea’s leading renewable-energy source, with 21 gigawatts, the nation will need at least 375 gigawatts to reach net zero, according to the Green Energy Institute. “Even with the help of floating-solar plants, South Korea has a long way to go and little time to tackle the climate crisis,” said Greenpeace’s Kim.