Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies via optimized monitoring methods
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 17, 2025
Agrivoltaic programs, which merge agricultural cultivation with solar energy technology, symbolize a strategic answer to the twin problem of assembly rising world power calls for and guaranteeing meals safety. By situating photo voltaic panels instantly above crops, these programs mitigate land use conflicts and ship further advantages, equivalent to assuaging crop water stress and shielding vegetation from excessive climate circumstances. In addition they foster ecological benefits, together with creating habitats for pollinators and enhancing forage availability. In arid areas, agrivoltaics have proven to delay flowering and increase flower manufacturing, thereby supporting pollinators later within the season. Moreover, the moderated microclimate beneath photo voltaic panels can improve photovoltaic effectivity.
As their adoption expands, optimizing agrivoltaic programs via superior monitoring applied sciences turns into essential. Horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) programs, which pivot photo voltaic panels to comply with the solar’s path all through the day, can considerably enhance system efficiency. Strategically managing panel orientation can obtain a fragile steadiness between maximizing photo voltaic output and safeguarding crop yields. This steadiness is especially vital for securing subsidies, which frequently require agrivoltaic programs to stay inside specified yield loss margins, thereby bolstering their monetary feasibility.
A current investigation revealed within the Journal of Photonics for Power (JPE) sheds mild on methodologies to fine-tune photo voltaic panel angles for optimum power and agricultural outcomes. The examine, centered on apple orchards in southwestern Germany, introduces a novel approach to dynamically align panel positions with particular crop mild necessities. Fairly than counting on typical shading tips or static constructions like hail nets, this methodology leverages exact irradiation targets to satisfy the distinctive mild wants of various crops. Researchers employed a bespoke simulation device, APyV, to discover how variations in panel angles have an effect on daylight availability for crops.
The APyV platform applies subtle ray tracing algorithms to map photo voltaic radiation distribution, assessing its affect on each photo voltaic panels and crops. This device streamlines agrivoltaic system design by integrating crop fashions and key efficiency metrics, enabling correct calculations of sunshine publicity and its impression on system efficiency.
Findings from the case examine demonstrated that tailor-made panel management may ship 91 p.c of the annual mild requirement for apple timber, whereas solely barely diminishing solar energy output by 20 p.c. Nonetheless, sure time durations revealed shortfalls in assembly crop mild calls for, highlighting the inherent problem of reaching excellent alignment between agricultural and power targets. Regardless of these constraints, the examine establishes a powerful platform for future analysis and refinement.
“Our examine reveals that the mixture of photo voltaic power and farming might be enhanced by good PV-trackers that regulate the place of photo voltaic panels based mostly on climate circumstances, crop sorts, and their development levels. This method ensures an optimum steadiness between mild accessible for photosynthesis and lightweight accessible for electrical energy manufacturing,” defined corresponding writer Maddelena Bruno, a doctoral researcher at Fraunhofer ISE.
Bruno additional indicated that the proposed irradiation targets and monitoring methodology are scheduled for subject testing through the ongoing rising season in Nussbach. These trials purpose to validate the simulation outcomes and broaden the understanding of how agrivoltaic programs affect crop development and environmental circumstances. The analysis is predicted to tell future methods for integrating agriculture and renewable power, contributing to a extra sustainable power transition.
Analysis Report:Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies
Associated Hyperlinks
Fraunhofer ISE – Institute for Solar Energy Systems
Farming Today – Suppliers and Technology
Trending Merchandise
