A Japanese startup has started using solar energy to power agricultural farms to grow crops. Takeshi Magami's farm in Tokyo consists of 2,826 solar panels above the produce.

The solar panels that cover most of a hectare are reportedly dual-use. First, it provides all the electricity the farm needs to run, and second, it generates additional revenue by selling excess renewable energy to the grid.

The farm generates additional income of 24 million yen ($187,000) per year.

"Our aim is to electrify and automate all steps of farming" and to create a model for the development of sustainable agriculture," Mr Magami was quoted in a report. He has been running the farm as his start-up Chiba Ecological part of Energy.

It is reported that "the farm is part of the global solar energy sharing and agricultural photovoltaic movement, which can not only ensure the normal production of crops, but also can be used for photovoltaic power generation."

It is important to note that in Japan, where space is limited and is heavily reliant on energy imports, solar sharing has been seen as the perfect alternative.

Japan aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. Japan aims to source 36 to 38 percent of its energy mix from renewables by 2030, with solar accounting for 14 to 16 percent.