Charles Sturt University Tests Transparent Solar Panels
Researchers are trialling see-through solar technology to power Australian farm equipment and protect crops.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Agriculture
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Charles Sturt University has launched new research into the application of transparent solar panels within sheep feedlots and vineyards across Australia. This technology aims to help farmers mitigate rising diesel and electricity costs by generating on-site energy.
Why it matters
Farmers are increasingly seeking to reduce high energy input costs and move away from expensive diesel fuel. This solar research offers a potential pathway to modernise farm power while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Transparent solar panels currently cost double the price of traditional units, which typically retail between $80 and $300. These panels offer a transparency range of 10 to 48 per cent to allow light transmission.
The players
Charles Sturt University
This Australian public university is spearheading the research into integrating transparent solar technology into agricultural settings.
The details
The panels feature gaps between photovoltaic cells that allow sunlight to reach crops while capturing energy to power automatic livestock feeders. In vineyards, these structures function as movable roofs that protect vines and facilitate essential pruning tasks.
Timeline
Monitoring for the livestock project is scheduled to start in November 2026.
Analysis of the research results is expected in late 2027.
Market Landscape
The project follows the adoption of agrivoltaics in France, Austria, and Belgium, where these systems are already integrated into farming operations. By testing these panels domestically, the university positions Australian agriculture to potentially shift toward energy self-sufficiency.
Australian farmers may eventually face higher upfront capital costs due to the current price of these panels compared to standard solar options. However, successful implementation could lead to lower long-term operational expenses for feedlot and vineyard energy requirements.
The takeaway
Transparent solar technology represents a significant shift toward dual-purpose land use for energy and crop production. Farmers should monitor the 2027 results to determine if the energy savings will offset the higher initial investment costs.
What happens next
Monitoring for the livestock project will commence in November 2026, followed by a results analysis phase expected in late 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving sector, visit the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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