The Future: How Does Agrivoltaics Work In Farming?
The Future: How Does Agrivoltaics Work In Farming?
The Future: How Does Agrivoltaics Work In Farming?
As the world seeks innovative ways to sustainably feed and power a growing population, farmers face the challenge of maximising production while preserving natural resources.
Agrivoltaics offers an impactful solution by merging solar energy generation with agricultural practices on the same land.
This blog post will explore how agrivoltaics not only enhances farm productivity but also contributes to renewable energy goals, providing a dual-purpose strategy for savvy land use.
Key Takeaways
- Agrivoltaics combines crop growing and solar energy on the same land, making farms more sustainable.
- Solar panels in agrivoltaic systems provide shade, helping crops use less water and protecting them from intense sun.
- Agrivoltaics contribute to fighting climate change by cutting down on fossil fuels and capturing CO2.
- Successful agrivoltaic setups include diverse projects ranging from small farms to large solar power plants.
What Is Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics, also known as agrophotovoltaics, agrisolar, or dual-use solar, merges agriculture with solar photovoltaic (PV) energy production on the same plot of land. This innovative method enables the concurrent cultivation of crops and generation of renewable energy, enhancing land utilisation and delivering diverse environmental and economic advantages.
The idea, first proposed by Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow in 1981 and later developed into prototypes in Japan by Akira Nagashima in 2004, saw the term "agrivoltaic" officially introduced in literature by 2011. Agrivoltaics employs various techniques to integrate solar panels with agriculture, ranging from mounting standard solar panels above crops to constructing greenhouses with semi-transparent PV panels. This approach not only allows farmers to generate electricity by harnessing sunlight above their fields but also supports crop growth beneath these panels, optimising the dual functionality of the land.
The synergy between the solar panels and plants is beneficial; the panels mitigate water evaporation by providing shade, while still generating power in varying weather conditions. Conversely, the vegetation fosters a cooler environment that enhances the efficiency of the solar installations by preventing overheating. This reciprocal relationship exemplifies agrivoltaics as an effective strategy for contemporary agriculture, balancing energy production with farming needs.
Now that we understand what agrivoltaics is, let's explore the numerous benefits this innovative approach offers to both agriculture and energy sectors.
What are the Benefits of Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics is not just a concept; it's a practical solution revolutionising the way we use land. It combines crop production and solar energy generation, bringing multiple advantages to farmers and communities.
Agrivoltaics offers several key benefits:
- Increased Land Use Efficiency: By combining solar energy generation with agriculture, agrivoltaics maximises the utility of land, especially in areas where land is scarce or expensive.
- Environmental Protection: This approach supports the energy transition to clean sources, contributing to the goals of the European Green Deal and other sustainability initiatives.
- Reduced Water Consumption: The partial shade provided by solar panels can reduce water needed for irrigation, benefiting crops that are sensitive to excessive sunlight and heat.
- Additional Income for Farmers: Farmers can generate additional revenue from leasing their land for solar energy production, diversifying their income sources and enhancing economic resilience.
- Improved Crop Yields: In some cases, the shade from solar panels can actually increase crop yields by mitigating heat stress.
- Supports biodiversity: Panels offer a place for wildlife like bees or birds amongst the crops. This helps keep nature diverse and strong.
Public support for solar projects is another benefit rarely mentioned. A study in the journal 'Green Technology, Resilience and Sustainability', titled 'Do agrivoltaics improve public support for solar? A survey on perceptions, preferences, and priorities' reveals that integrating agricultural production with solar energy can significantly boost public support for solar projects. Results show that 81.8% of respondents are more likely to support solar development if it includes agricultural production. Key factors influencing support include providing economic opportunities for farmers and local communities, siting projects on private or existing agricultural land, and ensuring fair distribution of economic benefits. Addressing concerns like fair benefit distribution and visual impact can enhance the social acceptance and deployment of agrivoltaic systems, offering a promising strategy to improve local social acceptance and increase solar deployment rates (1).
With these benefits in mind, let's delve into the various uses and applications of agrivoltaics across different environments and settings.
What are the Uses and Applications for Agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics, the innovative integration of agriculture and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation on the same land, offers a variety of applications across different sectors. This approach not only maximises land use efficiency but also provides environmental, economic, and social benefits. Here are some of the key uses and applications for agrivoltaics:
Crop Production Under Solar Panels: Agrivoltaics can be applied to fields growing crops or tree harvests, where solar panels are installed above the crops. This setup provides partial shade, which can reduce water consumption by minimising evaporation and protecting crops from excessive sunlight and heat stress. This method is particularly beneficial for water-intensive or heat-sensitive crops.
Livestock Grazing: Fields supporting livestock can also benefit from agrivoltaics. The shade from solar panels creates a cooler environment for animals, reducing heat stress and potentially increasing their comfort and productivity. This application can also reduce the water needs for pasture and provide shelter for the animals.
Aquaculture and Fisheries: Agrivoltaics can extend to bodies of water used for aquaculture. Solar panels installed over ponds or fisheries can reduce water evaporation, control algae growth by limiting excessive sunlight, and reduce the erosion of embankments. This application can improve water quality and fish habitat, leading to better yields.
Greenhouses with PV Panels: Photovoltaic greenhouses represent another application of agrivoltaics. These greenhouses use semi-transparent or adjustable solar panels that allow for controlled light penetration, optimising conditions for plant growth while generating renewable energy. This setup is ideal for producing fruits, vegetables, or flowers.
Integrated Rural Development: Agrivoltaics promotes stronger development in rural areas by generating additional income for farmers through energy production. This approach can enrich communities through business activities related to the construction and maintenance of agrivoltaic systems, while also helping to conserve and improve ecosystems.
Research and Education: Agrivoltaic installations can serve as living laboratories for research on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and their synergies. They provide valuable data on crop performance under solar panels, the impact on microclimate, and the efficiency of PV panels in different configurations. This information can guide future agrivoltaic projects and inform educational programs.
Enhancing Biodiversity: By creating varied habitats, agrivoltaic systems can contribute to biodiversity conservation. The combination of agriculture and solar infrastructure can create niches for different species, enhancing ecosystem services and potentially supporting pollinator habitats.
Agrivoltaics offers a versatile and sustainable approach to land use, capable of addressing the dual challenges of food security and renewable energy production. Its applications span across crop production, livestock grazing, aquaculture, greenhouses, rural development, research, and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating its potential to contribute significantly to sustainable development goals.
Understanding the applications sets the stage for a deeper comparison between agrivoltaics and traditional farming, particularly in terms of outputs such as energy, water usage, crop yield, and economic impacts.
Comparative Analysis of Agrivoltaics vs. Traditional Farming Outputs
Comparing agrivoltaics and traditional farming can be broken down by looking at:
1. Energy Output
- Agrivoltaics Systems: Assume an average installation generates between 150 and 300 watts per square meter depending on the size of the panel and the efficiency of the technology used. On a hectare (10,000 square meters), this could translate to between 1.5 and 3 megawatts depending on spacing required for agricultural activities.
- Traditional Farming: No energy generation.
- Annual Energy Output:
- Average annual energy generation for an agrivoltaic farm: megawatts x average sunlight hours per day x days per year.
2. Water Usage
- Agrivoltaics Systems: Reduction in water usage by up to 30% due to decreased evaporation.
- Traditional Farming: Average water usage for a similar crop without shade could be 10,000 liters per hectare per day depending on the crop type, climate, and farming technique.
- Potential Water Usage:
- Agrivoltaics: 7,000 liters per hectare per day.
- Traditional: 10,000 liters per hectare per day.
3. Crop Yield
- Agrivoltaics Systems: Yield varies by crop but assume a 10% increase in yield for shade-tolerant crops like lettuce or spinach due to reduced heat stress. However, the exact figures can vary based on specific environmental conditions and crop types.
- Traditional Farming: Standard yield based on traditional methods without any shade or solar panel intervention.
- Data Points to Include:
- Agrivoltaics: Lettuce yield of 5 tons per hectare.
- Traditional: Lettuce yield of 4.5 tons per hectare depending significantly on the type of crop, soil quality, and agricultural practices.
4. Economic Benefits
- Agrivoltaics Systems: Higher initial setup costs (e.g., £900,000 per hectare for installation) but additional revenue from solar power (£4,500 monthly from solar electricity sales depending on local electricity prices and solar irradiance) and potentially higher crop sales due to increased yield.
- Traditional Farming: Lower initial costs but revenue solely from agriculture.
- Data Points to Include:
- Break-even point for agrivoltaics might be around 10 years, considering additional revenue streams. A thorough assessment should be carried out before installation to confirm.
After comparing agrivoltaics with traditional farming, let's look at some real-world examples to see how these systems are implemented globally.
What are Examples of Agrivoltaic Projects?
Agrivoltaics, the fusion of agriculture with solar photovoltaic (PV) energy production, has seen successful deployment in numerous initiatives across Europe and the United States. These initiatives showcase agrivoltaics' ability to improve land utilisation, save water, and boost farmers' incomes.
Europe
Brouchy Canopy, France: In France, the Brouchy Canopy project exemplifies agrivoltaic innovation by blending agricultural practices with the generation of renewable energy. Spanning three hectares and boasting a capacity of 2.9MWc, this project has been operational since August 2023. With €2.7 million from the Innovation Fund, it seeks to forge a new, adaptable model that harmonizes agricultural and renewable energy production.
Vattenfall Project, Germany: Vattenfall, a Swedish energy firm, has initiated a large-scale solar PV project in Tützpatz, Germany, that harmonises with agricultural activities. This endeavor addresses the dual concerns of food security and the allocation of land for renewable resources.
United States
Jack's Solar Garden, Colorado: As the most significant agrivoltaics system in active commercial research in the U.S., Jack's Solar Garden powers over 300 homes with 3,276 solar panels. Beyond energy production, it nurtures a habitat for pollinators and offers a practical learning environment for aspiring farmers to grow crops beneath solar panels.
Agrivoltaic Research Project: The U.S.'s most extensive agrivoltaic research effort is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy while supporting local agriculture. It yields vital data on enhancing solar panel functionality, conserving water, and boosting agricultural output. Additionally, it serves as an educational platform for students and the community, promoting knowledge on farming, solar energy, and efficient land use.
These instances underscore agrivoltaics' role in delivering eco-friendly solutions for farming and energy generation. They further stress the significance of continuous research and development to refine system layouts, evaluate crop outcomes, and ascertain the financial viability of agrivoltaic setups across various locales.
These examples highlight the importance of choosing the right technology; next, we'll discuss what types of solar panels are best suited for agrivoltaic installations.
What Types of Solar Panels To Use for Agrivoltaics?
When selecting solar panels for agrivoltaic systems, the choice of technology and design is crucial to balance energy production with agricultural needs. Here are the types of solar panels and considerations for their use in agrivoltaic applications:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Special monocrystalline solar panels have been designed for agrivoltaic projects. These panels are customised to have specific transparency levels to ensure that plants receive sufficient light while being protected from direct sunlight, rain, hail, and frost. The transparency is crucial for plants like raspberries that should not be exposed to too strong sunlight.
Tilted Solar Panels: Panels that can tilt vertically are beneficial for agrivoltaic systems as they allow machinery, such as tractors, to pass between the rows of solar panels. The tilt angle is an important variable in agrivoltaic systems, as it affects the amount of light reaching the crops below.
Elevated Solar Panels: Elevated systems place solar panels directly above vegetation, usually at a height of at least 6 feet. This setup can protect vegetation from extreme weather and is suitable for crops like berries, grapes, and apples.
Inter-Row Solar Panels: In inter-row systems, vegetation is grown between rows of solar panels. This arrangement allows for the cultivation of crops that do not require significant amounts of light and can be beneficial for shade-tolerant species.
Each type of solar panel system in agrivoltaics is designed with specific crops and environmental conditions in mind. The systems must be carefully planned to ensure that the solar panels do not excessively shade the crops, while also maximising energy production. The design considerations include the tilt angle, spacing, elevation, and the type of crops being cultivated. As the technology and experience in agrivoltaics grow, the costs associated with these specialised installations are expected to decrease, making them more accessible and efficient.
Choosing the appropriate solar panels is crucial for maximising land use, a key advantage of agrivoltaics that we will explore in the following section.
Can Agrivoltaics Maximise Land Use?
Agrivoltaics maximises land use in a number of ways:
Dual Utilisation of Land: Agrivoltaics is an approach that combines agriculture and solar photovoltaic energy generation on the same land. This method allows for the simultaneous cultivation of crops or raising of livestock and the generation of solar energy, effectively doubling the productivity of the land.
Boost in Land Productivity: By integrating crop cultivation and energy generation, agrivoltaics can boost land productivity by up to 70%. This improvement is attributed to the creation of microclimates that are favourable for growing valuable crops that can thrive in shaded conditions thereby enhancing overall agricultural yields.
Creation of Microclimates: The strategic placement of solar panels creates microclimates that benefit both shade-resistant and some shade-intolerant species, enabling a wider range of crops to be grown and increasing yields.
Protection Against Harsh Weather: Solar panels serve as a shield for plants, protecting them from extreme weather conditions. This protection leads to reduced soil temperatures and healthier soil conditions.
Reduced Irrigation Needs: Crops grown under panels experience reduced water loss due to decreased evaporation leading to less irrigation needs. This water conservation is especially advantageous in arid regions.
Enhanced Solar Panel Performance: The presence of plants and soil under the panels provides a cooling effect that can enhance their efficiency by up to 10%. This natural process of cooling enhances the production of electricity from the panels.
Extra Money for Farmers: Agrivoltaics brings an added source of income for farmers by generating solar energy. This additional revenue can help stabilise their finances during times when crop yields may be low.
Potential to Meet Energy Needs: It is estimated that agrivoltaics has the potential to produce 20% of the electricity in the United States utilising a small portion of its farmland. This demonstrates its contribution towards achieving renewable energy targets.
Geographical Considerations: While promising, agrivoltaic projects require careful consideration of location, similar to traditional solar installations, to ensure proximity to suitable electric transmission lines.
Vineyards can also benefit. A study titled 'Enovoltaics: Symbiotic integration of photovoltaics in vineyards' in Frontiers proposes integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into vineyard structures to reduce land use impact while maintaining crop production quality. By vertically integrating PV surfaces over grape trellises, the study found that a ratio of row distance to trellis height ≥1.5 minimises shadowing between vines. Various module configurations were evaluated, with 40-60% installable capacity compared to ground-mounted systems. The proposed agrivoltaic solution achieved a Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.27-1.50, confirming its viability for dual land use. This symbiotic integration offers a promising approach for sustainable energy generation in vineyards (2).
In summary, agrivoltaics shows promise for sustainable farming and renewable energy production. By optimising land usage, increasing crop and energy yields, reducing water consumption, and providing income for farmers, agrivoltaics can play a role in addressing global challenges related to food security and sustainable energy.
While maximising land use is a significant benefit, agrivoltaics also presents unique potential and challenges in urban and suburban settings, which we will examine next.
What is the Potential and Challenges of Agrivoltaics in Urban and Suburban Settings?
Potential of Agrivoltaics in Urban Areas
- Maximising Limited Space:
- Urban rooftops and unused land can be transformed into productive agrivoltaic sites, combining food production with energy generation. This dual use optimises limited urban space, providing local food sources while generating clean energy.
- Example: In cities like Paris and New York, where green roof policies encourage the use of rooftops for vegetation, integrating solar panels could enhance building energy efficiency and reduce urban heat island effects. The design and placement of solar panels on rooftops needs to be carefully considered to maximise their benefits.
- Enhancing Urban Sustainability:
- Agrivoltaics contribute to urban sustainability goals by reducing dependency on distant power grids and lowering transport emissions associated with food distribution.
- Community gardens with solar installations not only produce food but also can power local amenities, street lighting, or community centers, fostering a self-sustaining urban ecosystem.
- Social and Educational Benefits:
- Urban agrivoltaics projects can serve as educational resources for schools and community groups, promoting awareness of sustainable practices and renewable energy.
- They encourage community involvement and provide a hands-on learning environment about agriculture and photovoltaic technology.
Challenges of Implementing Agrivoltaics in Urban Settings
- Structural Limitations:
- Many urban buildings may not have the structural integrity to support the additional weight of soil and solar panels without significant reinforcement.
- Technical Challenge: Assessing and reinforcing rooftops to accommodate agrivoltaic setups involves architectural modifications and can be costly.
- Regulatory and Policy Hurdles:
- Urban areas often have stringent zoning laws and building codes that can restrict the type and extent of agrivoltaic installations.
- Policy Engagement: Advocacy for policy adjustments is necessary to facilitate the integration of agrivoltaics in urban planning and development standards.
- Economic Factors:
- The initial investment for setting up agrivoltaic systems in urban areas can be high due to the complexities of installation on buildings and the need for specialised equipment to manage these systems.
- Financial Incentives: Development of grants, subsidies, or tax incentives to encourage urban agrivoltaics could be crucial for wider adoption.
- Maintenance and Operations:
- Urban agrivoltaic systems require ongoing maintenance that must contend with the challenges of accessibility and urban congestion.
- Logistics: Ensuring easy access for maintenance personnel and equipment, alongside regular monitoring and management of both the agricultural and photovoltaic components, is essential for sustained operation.
- Social Acceptance and Aesthetics:
- Integrating large solar panels into urban landscapes can face aesthetic and social acceptance challenges.
- Community Engagement: Effective communication strategies that involve community input and highlight the benefits—such as local job creation, sustainability, and resilience against power outages—can help overcome resistance.
Opportunities for Future Development
- Technological Innovations:
- Development of lighter, more flexible solar panels that are easier to install and less intrusive could help overcome structural and aesthetic barriers.
- Advances in hydroponic and aeroponic systems that require less soil (or none at all) could reduce weight and complexity of urban agrivoltaic systems.
- Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Collaboration between city governments, urban planners, renewable energy companies, and community organisations can drive forward the implementation of agrivoltaic projects.
- These partnerships can pool resources, share knowledge, and distribute risks, increasing the feasibility and attractiveness of urban agrivoltaics.
While the integration of agrivoltaics in urban and suburban settings presents several challenges, its potential to enhance urban sustainability, provide local produce, generate clean energy, and educate communities about sustainable practices makes it a promising avenue for cities aiming to become greener and more self-sufficient. Continued innovation, supportive policies, and community engagement are key to realising the full benefits of urban agrivoltaics.
Understanding these urban and suburban dynamics leads us to consider the broader environmental impact, particularly how agrivoltaics can contribute to combating climate change.
Can Agrivoltaics Help to Combat Climate Change?
Combining agriculture and photovoltaics through agrivoltaics shows potential in combating climate change. This innovative approach involves placing panels alongside crops on the land allowing for the dual use of the space for both farming and solar energy generation.
Research by Oregon State University indicates that wide-scale installation of agrivoltaic systems could lead to an annual reduction of 330,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States (3). Remarkably this can be achieved without impacting crop yields. The reason behind this success lies in the fact that solar panels generate renewable energy reducing our reliance on fuels and consequently decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to mitigating climate change, agrivoltaics can also help adapt to its effects. For instance, the partial shade provided by the photovoltaic panels can reduce water usage, which is particularly beneficial in areas experiencing increased drought due to climate change.
Furthermore, the surplus energy generated by the solar arrays could be used to power electric tractors or other farm machinery, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in agricultural operations.
The Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) funding program examines the impacts of agrivoltaic designs on both agriculture production and energy production. The funding can provide new economic opportunities to farmers, rural communities, and the solar industry.
In conclusion, agrivoltaics holds significant promise for combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resource utilisation, increasing land productivity, and helping adapt to climate change effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand and optimise the benefits of this approach.
As we see the role agrivoltaics can play in addressing climate challenges, it's time to look forward to the future of farming with solar energy and its implications for sustainable agriculture.
The Future of Farming with Solar Energy
The agricultural landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation, thanks to the integration of solar energy into farming practices. This shift towards solar farming is not just about adopting renewable energy; it represents a comprehensive change in how farms operate and sustain themselves. From enhancing crop production with efficient energy use to reducing environmental impact, solar energy is paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future in agriculture. For a deeper insight into how solar energy is reshaping the agricultural sector, from the technical aspects of solar installations to their economic and environmental benefits, discover more in our detailed exploration 'Harnessing the Sun: The Future of Farming with Solar Energy'.
Evaluating the Impact: What Does Agrivoltaics Bring to Farming?
In conclusion, agrivoltaics is at the forefront of cutting edge technologies that are reshaping the future of farming and energy production. As we tackle the challenges of ensuring food security and sustainable power generation, agrivoltaics emerges as a symbol of hope. This approach not only maximises the use of the land but also provides a sustainable solution to the rising costs associated with traditional farming and energy production methods.
By granting farmers access to renewable energy sources, agrivoltaics sets the stage for a resilient and profitable agricultural sector. The results observed in projects worldwide have been promising, demonstrating significant enhancements in crop yield, water preservation, and energy efficiency. These accomplishments underscore the potential of agrivoltaics to transform the farming landscape, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable and food secure future.
As we continue to explore and refine this technology, agrivoltaics could very well become a cornerstone in our quest for a greener, more efficient, and sustainable world.
Reference List
(1) Pascaris, A.S., Schelly, C., Rouleau, M. et al. Do agrivoltaics improve public support for solar? A survey on perceptions, preferences, and priorities. GRN TECH RES SUSTAIN 2, 8 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44173-022-00007-x
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 DEED.
No changes were made to the material.
(2) Padilla J, Toledo C and Abad J (2022) Enovoltaics: Symbiotic integration of photovoltaics in vineyards. Front. Energy Res. 10:1007383. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2022.1007383
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 DEED.
No changes were made to the material.
(3) Proctor, K.W.; Murthy, G.S.; Higgins, C.W. Agrivoltaics Align with Green New Deal Goals While Supporting Investment in the US’ Rural Economy. Sustainability 2021, 13, 137. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010137
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 DEED.
No changes were made to the material.