Abstract: A method of operating a solar energy collection system comprising an array of pivotable PV modules and a group of plants arranged to produce a crop, includes performing a optimization of a value function based on a current state, responsively to predicted insolation, by dynamically determining one or more orientations for the array of PV modules, and controlling, based on the optimization of the value function, at least one of the PV modules to switch orientation to increase or decrease instantaneous photovoltaic conversion of incident solar radiation by the array of PV modules and/or increase or decrease instantaneous photosynthetic conversion of the incident solar radiation by the group of plants.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus for growing plants, a biomass, or a microorganism through photosynthesis. The apparatus includes a hollow tube-like structure of flexible transparent material having a first end, a second end, and a middle section, and defining an interior for receiving, through one of the ends, an aqueous solution, a gas comprising carbon dioxide, and at least one of seeds of the plants, a sample of the biomass, and a sample of the microorganism to be grown. The apparatus further includes a support connected to the first or second end of the tube-like structure for positioning the first or second end at a height above the middle section, and an agitator connected to the tube-like structure to impart motion to the aqueous solution in the interior such that when the tube-like structure is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, growth of the plants, biomass, or microorganism occurs through photosynthesis.