Agrivoltaics: Combining solar panels with agriculture
It is clear that the world already needs more solar energy. It is renewable, it is clean, it is more affordable than fossil fuels, and it is creating solid jobs at a very fast pace. The solar panels in the field… Do they work?
Well, directly yes, and they are beneficial for everyone. Productivity in crops is even increased and more energy in the photovoltaic panels more renewable energy and more tomatoes!
There are different studies that confirm that combining solar panels with agriculture is all benefits!
Today, we talk about Agrivoltaics (agrophotovoltaics or agrisolar), it is a term that coins the analysis of agriculture in combination with photovoltaic panels (Agrivoltaics = agriculture + photovoltaics).
What is agrivoltaics or agrophotovoltaics
Agrivoltaics is a new solution that combines the generation of photovoltaic solar energy with agriculture on the same land. Objective? Maximize the use of land to produce both food and electricity.
Although it may seem crazy, combining crops with solar panels, the latest studies suggest that solar farms combine surprisingly well with tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc. They mutually help each other to function more efficiently.
Three keys determine that solar panels in agriculture is directly a good idea according to a study from Oregon State University:
- We have to understand that farmers have been cultivating for centuries and centuries in the best places, that is, they have land with easy access and a lot of natural light (Abundant solar radiation). In short…”The most productive places on Earth for solar energy are agricultural lands”
The most productive places on Earth for solar energy are agricultural lands
- The conclusion of the report is quite interesting… “if less than 1% of agricultural land were converted into solar panels, it would be enough to meet the world’s electricity demand“.
- It is smart to balance food production and photovoltaic energy. If we add to this, that unlike fossil fuels, we can produce solar energy on lands where food is produced without having to worry about pollution… things start to fit! (Of interest the article on solar windows)
And what about the farmers, is it practical for their daily work and to take advantage of agricultural products? Although it will undoubtedly not be the same, three main ways have been studied to raise the panels with the intention that tractors can access without problems and the farmer can work better…
But don’t worry, there’s more. Let’s see what gains we achieve with this symbiosis…
What advantages does agrivoltaics offer
Although agricultural products vary widely depending on the crops, the local climate itself, and the specific configuration of the solar panels, there are a series of similarities and windows when combining Agriculture + Photovoltaics.
- Direct sunlight. Most plants – obviously – need direct sunlight, but even so, they have limits. Once a plant maximizes its capacity to use sunlight for photosynthesis, more sunlight can actually hinder its productivity (It will depend on the crop). Considering that panels can also be placed like the following photo…
- More productivity depending on the type of crop. This study assures that many food crops perform better when they are safe from direct light… “The total production of chiltepin (a type of chili) was three times greater under the photovoltaic panels, and tomato production was double.”
- We manage to use less water. We will have shade on the agricultural land “x” hours a day, keeping the moisture for longer, that is, we can reduce water use while maintaining food production levels.
- The shade from the panels provides cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nighttime temperatures for the plants growing underneath, as well as more moisture available in the air. With the benefits of shade, some crops under solar panels are up to 328% more efficient in water use according to this report.
some crops under solar panels are up to 328% more efficient in water use
- Another interesting issue is that the range of products we can plant is expanded by reducing direct sunlight hours.
- Solar panels are sensitive to temperature and become less efficient when they heat up too much (solar farms create a heat island effect). The crops underneath the panel emit water through the natural process of transpiration, preventing the panels from reaching such high temperatures, not to mention the reduction of evaporation of existing water in the soil.
- A new economic path opens for the farmer who will not be so dependent on weather conditions or pests that can lead to losing the harvest, and therefore, economic benefits for a year.
Of interest, also see the document on “Simulation of shared use of agricultural land by photovoltaic solar panels and cultivation” from this document and Empowering Rural America Program: Project Announcements.
🟧 Note: In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) held American Farms, Rural Benefits virtual listening sessions to better understand the impact of renewable energy development on farmers and rural communities.
Examples of agrivoltaic case studies
The basic idea of agrivoltaics dates back – at least – to 1981, when two German scientists proposed a new type of photovoltaic power plant that allows additional agricultural use. Since then, it has been studied and evolved a lot.
- From the Spanish photovoltaic union they have published a document on Bioagrivoltaics (Combining agricultural, livestock, and solar activity) the AgroPV. Some examples of interesting projects are provided, but also international experiences. An example:
- Last year, from Germany, in the town of Heggelbach. A structure was installed five meters high in an agricultural field. The yields of three of the four crops under the agrivoltaic system were higher than the traditional yield. The land use efficiency increased by 186% per hectare with the agrivoltaic system as we read here.
From the Nature magazine “Agrivoltaics provide mutual benefits through the food, energy, and water nexus in drylands”. The study focused on chiltepin pepper plants (a type of chili), jalapeño, and cherry tomato in an area of Arizona.
To give an example of the previous case, they had double the tomato production or for the jalapeños, they produced a similar amount both in the agrivoltaic system and in the traditional plot, but they did so, with a less than 65% water loss.
Agrivoltaics may not be a quick solution for farmers to improve their profits, but it may possibly be a good way to diversify their income, especially if we see the news that daily hits the sector.
And we remember of interest the article on what we will do with all the solar panels when they reach the end of their life.
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