Solar Plant Lighting with Electric Power Generation

Plants utilize photons at wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm. These photons, called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), represent only a part of the total solar spectral energy. The optical waveguide solar plant lighting system has the potential to generate electric power while providing plant lighting. Recently, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) demonstrated simultaneous PAR transmission and photovoltaic (PV) power generation at its solar facility. In this paper, we will discuss the results of our work pertaining to feasibility of simultaneous plant lighting and electric power generation.