found in Saudi Arabia , Mirai Solar originated at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ( KAUST ) to use solar vigour in area with abundant sunlight . " We started in Saudi Arabia due to the born advantage of sunlight there , but as we uprise , the North American market , particularly the American Southwest , offered an even stronger opportunity , " shares Michael Salvador , co - beginner and CEO . Although the U.S. has become Mirai Solar ’s primary headquarters , they assert a subordinate in Saudi Arabia , balancing access code to mellow - sunshine regions with robust market requirement in North America .
The move to the U.S. also align with Mirai Solar ’s focus on marketplace where electrical energy damage make renewable vim economically more attractive . " In Saudi Arabia , electrical energy continues to be cheap , sit pressure on the levelized price of electricity for small renewable energy projects , " Michael notes . " In North America , however , the demand for sustainable vigor solutions continues to rise , in particular within agriculture . "
VitiCult projection in Geisemheim , Germany , using Mirai Solar ’s photovoltaic shading system ( top view ) . mention : https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de / en / research - projects / viticult - pvmobil.html
Solar technology : Retractable panel designMirai Solar ’s applied science is a retractable solar panel system , specifically engineered to meet the demands of both nursery and open - flying field agriculture . The retractable design admit instrument panel to fold into a protective housing , which shields them from weather events like storm and hail that could damage photovoltaic cells and environmental factor like soiling . " Our retractable organisation is what limit us apart , " Michael explains . " When not in employment , the panels shut down into a protective enclosing , adding durability and flexibility . This mechanism is essential for outdoor applications , where there ’s no roof treat , as in glasshouse . "
Initially , Mirai Solar focused on glasshouse due to their typically high-pitched energy demand . In nursery background , the instrument panel reduce operational costs by cater a renewable informant of electrical energy , cancel greenhouse kindling and warming / cool expense . However , Mirai Solar ’s retractable panel are now being adapted for out-of-door applications , allow farms to access solar energy even in open field , an approach path that expand the system ’s manipulation beyond typical controlled environment .
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St Louis , MO : a side - by - side study of the Mirai Screen with conventional ghost screen ( with the generous keep of theWells Fargo Innovation Incubator , IN² )
Customized solution for shade - loving and light - tender cropsMirai Solar ’s technology is customized to support specific crop types , particularly tad - loving and light - sensitive crops . The company ’s elemental focus includes leafy greens , lettuces , and even grape vine vineyards , which more and more require protective covering from uttermost sunlight and seasonal frost . " Our applied science is peculiarly beneficial for nuance - make love crop , " says Michael . " Beyond leafy greens and lettuces , we ’re now work out with vineyards , where grape benefit from protection against excessive heat and solar irradiation in the summertime and frost during the winter . "
Mirai Solar is offering a dual - purpose design as part of their system , providing year - round crop protection . By limit the intensity of sunlight exposure during peak time , their system reduce heat stress on crops and prevent quality degradation , specially worthful for grapeshot output . In wintertime , the same retractable applied science aid insulate harvest against frost damage , providing add time value and give way security system to farmers operate in variable climates .
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St Louis , MO : a side - by - side work of the Mirai Screen with conventional ghost concealment ( with the generous support of the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator , IN² )
Flexible mightiness exercise and storage solutionsEnergy storage and statistical distribution are key considerations in agrarian solar office , particularly in outdoor program where energy demands vary throughout the day . " One of the query we ask is , where does the electrical energy go when it ’s produced ? " Michael says . In greenhouse setups , the generated power directly meets lighting , heating , and cooling demand , in particular in peak sunlight condition , when cool demand and generation are naturally aligned . This makes greenhouses a " closed - loop " system for energy manipulation .
In outdoor fields , Mirai Solar is exploring flexible alternative for office utilization , such as electric tractors and nearby food processing facilities . " ideate an electric tractor or a solid food processing and storage whole nearby , " articulate Michael . " By directing nimiety electricity to these mathematical process , farm can make full use of generated major power , even in open theater of operations . " This will be peculiarly good in off - grid or distant agricultural region , reducing the pauperization for external superpower source and enable operation to be both sustainable and independent . This case of electrification represents one itinerary towards decarbonizing farming production .
Scaling up : From fender projects to large - scale agricultural implementationCurrently , Mirai Solar ’s technology is deploy in presentation projects , with several hundred substantial meters . However , the company is focused on scaling its systems to match commercial-grade agricultural need , include installations spanning several hectare . " Our aim is to move from smaller - scale demonstrations to larger , commercial - scale system , " Michael explains . " To meet this end , we ’re investing in automated production processes to increase our manufacture capacity . "
This shift will allow Mirai Solar to deliver solar system that can meet gamy output demands . By expanding yield capabilities , Mirai Solar can support large - scale farm in transitioning to renewable energy .
VitiCult projection in Geisemheim , Germany , using Mirai Solar ’s photovoltaic blending organisation ( field view ) . Reference : https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de / en / research - projection / viticult - pvmobil.html
International collaboration with German technology expertsMirai Solar ’s growth has been supported by partnerships with German collaborator including Novavert , who contributes expertise in system integrating . " Our focus has always been on solar technology itself , but integrating it into dissimilar agrarian scenarios requires specialized knowledge , " Michael explains . " Novavert has been crucial in designing various system that go efficaciously in diverse clime and craw types . "
late projects in Irvine , California , St. Louis , MO , and Germany showcase this collaborationism , where the Novavert squad avail Mirai Solar make grow a organization optimise for local agricultural needs . Similarly , Mirai Solar is partner with grower , solar project developer , and residential area programs . Community involvement is an important column of Mirai ’s vision . For case , in California Mirai works closely with the non - profit Community Power Collaborative .
VitiCult projection in Geisemheim , Germany , using Mirai Solar ’s photovoltaic shading system ( side horizon ) . Reference : https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de / en / research - projects / viticult - pvmobil.html
Recognition from the U.S. Department of Energy ( DOE)Mirai Solar received a Cary Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ( DOE ) to further develop its solar system for open - champaign land . " acknowledgment from the DOE is a large establishment for us , " Michael sound out . " This grant will enable us to advance our technology specifically in the context of agrivoltaics , which is gaining grip in the U.S. " The DOE grant is part of a broader go-ahead to promote sustainable practice within agriculture , as raise infrastructure becomes progressively costly . By fund groundbreaking solar projects , the DOE aims to support agricultural resilience while reducing pressure on the internal energy grid .
" Our vision is to create energy solvent that not only reduce operational price for growers but also contribute to a sustainable future , " shares Michael .
Mirai Solar also placedsecondin the Mega Green Accelerator program , a scheme to promote environmental startups in the Middle East
For more data : Mirai Solarmiraisolar.com
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