In the face of the pressing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions worldwide, agrivoltaics emerges as a pioneering concept at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy. This innovative approach harnesses the power of the sun while coexisting harmoniously with agricultural practices. In the first part of our two-piece introduction to agrivoltaics, we explored the motivations driving the adoption of agrivoltaics and its vast potential to revolutionize land use. This second part discusses diverse system types that have emerged, the challenges faced, and noteworthy pioneering projects that showcase the transformative power of this sustainable technology.
Agrivoltaics System Types
In order to realize the potential benefits of a dual use concept, care must be taken in the technical planning of such a project to ensure that the PV system and the agricultural management of the land are compatible.
The approach taken in Germany is particularly noteworthy here. The authors of the standard DIN SPEC 91434:2021-05, who have defined the applicable regulations for AgriPV systems in Germany, have placed particular emphasis on the fact that the primary use of the land must continue to be agriculture. They define agrivoltaics as “combined use of one and the same land area for agricultural production as the primary use, and for electricity production by means of a PV system as a secondary use” (Link to standard).
It is therefore important to find the right configuration for each application, depending on the type of farming and local climatic conditions. From a technical point of view, there are different types of solar systems that can be used for agricultural purposes.
The Fraunhofer Institute distinguishes between open and closed systems. Open systems include interspace PV, which allows agriculture between the rows of the PV system, and overhead PV, which was designed for growing plants under the panels. The closed systems include PV greenhouses and opaque buildings, which enable indoor farming and are not agrivoltaics in the strict sense of the word. (Fraunhofer ISE)
A good overview of different solar designs and other planning considerations is provided in the “Getting Started with Agrisolar Tutorial” by the Agrisolar Clearinghouse.
Challenges
The integration of solar energy systems with agriculture presents a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation. However, this innovative approach is not without its challenges:
System Integration
One of the primary challenges in agrivoltaics lies in seamlessly integrating solar installations with agricultural practices. Balancing the needs of both systems to optimize energy production and crop yield requires careful planning and technological advancements.
Crop Yield
The impact of solar panels on crop yield is a critical consideration. Adequate sunlight is essential for plant growth, and finding the optimal arrangement to ensure sunlight penetration while maximizing energy production poses a challenge. Striking the right balance is crucial to maintaining agricultural productivity.
Economic Viability
The economic feasibility of agrivoltaic projects is another challenge. Determining the most cost-effective and efficient systems that deliver both energy and agricultural outputs requires comprehensive analysis. Factors such as initial investment, maintenance costs, and overall project sustainability need to be carefully evaluated for long-term economic viability.
Research
Despite the potential benefits, agrivoltaics is a relatively new field, and further research is essential to address existing challenges and unlock its full potential. Collaborative efforts between the solar and agriculture sectors are necessary to develop innovative solutions, improve technology, and refine best practices for successful implementation.
Pioneering Projects
A number of pioneering projects have set themselves the task of solving the existing challenges. At various locations around the world, researchers, farmers and solar developers are gathering important findings on electricity and crop yields, system integration and other important data on soil health and biodiversity. The AgriSolar Atlas provides an overview of existing installations in the USA. Some particularly interesting projects from the USA and Europe are presented below.
Jacks Solar Garden
Collaborating with the University of Arizona, Colorado State University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Sprout City Farms, Jack’s Solar Garden is establishing a 1.2 MW community solar garden spanning five acres south of Longmont, Colorado. This initiative involves the creation of research plots.
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
The Fraunhofer Institute has been involved in various international research projects. For instance, the “SynAgri-PV” research project aims to comprehensively outline and assess key technical, legal, economic, and social factors influencing the introduction of agrivoltaics in the German market. The project further seeks to formulate recommendations to facilitate the widespread adoption of agrivoltaics.
University of California, Davis
At the University of California, Davis, a test field has been established by researchers. This field cultivates diverse plant species under different light conditions, as detailed in our blog article (link). Equipped with light filters, the field captures pertinent data throughout the plant growth stages. Professor Majdi Abou Najm’s team is primarily exploring how agrivoltaics can simultaneously enhance crop yield, conserve irrigation water, and contribute to renewable energy generation for the nation.
Conclusion
The symbiosis of agriculture and photovoltaics is a promising approach to combating climate change and strengthening agriculture at the same time. On a comparatively small portion of agricultural land, agrivoltaics can help secure crop yields and provide communities with renewable energy. The first pioneers are already showing what the joint future of agriculture and the energy sector can look like and Sunzaun is grateful to be part of it.