What is Agri-PV? Merging solar power with agriculture
Agricultural photovoltaics, more commonly known as Agri-PV, has the potential to revolutionise the energy industry by harnessing solar power in rural areas. According to SolarPower Europe, if just one per cent of the available farmland in Europe were developed with Agri-PV installations, the EU would see an increase of 700 GW in installed capacity.
What is the meaning of Agri-PV?
By combining solar panels with farming in the same area, agri-PV, or agrivoltaics, maximises land usage, boosts production, and develops renewable energy. Large conventional solar systems require land that is used just for energy production; however, agri-PV systems permit agricultural practices, such as planting crops or rearing livestock, to take place under or next to the panels. This two-pronged approach can help both the solar and agricultural sectors by maximising the use of the land.
Finding different designs for solar systems and agricultural methods that boost energy and agricultural output at co-located sites could help to improve overall value and reduce soft costs, which include all non-hardware expenses, of solar energy.
How does Agri-PV power work?
Understanding agrivoltaic farming starts with recognising how it is different from traditional farming, focusing on integrating technology to aid global food production. In agrivoltaic systems, photovoltaic (PV) cells in solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits these cells, they either reflect it, let it pass through, or absorb it. Only the absorbed sunlight generates electricity by freeing electrons within the cell's semiconductor material.
The electrons move toward the cell's front, creating an electrical charge imbalance. This generates an electric current when connected to an external circuit. Some PV cells can even convert artificial light into electricity.
Agrivoltaic setups give solar panels space underneath for agriculture, making it possible to grow crops and raise livestock. Crops like potatoes, kale, and broccoli can thrive under the panels, which provide shade and reduce water loss, creating a cooler environment that improves both crop yield and solar panel efficiency. Consequently, there is better solar performance and an increased agricultural yield.
What is the implementation of Agri-PV systems?
Creating a sustainable agrivoltaic system involves several key steps to boost crop yields and energy production:
- Assess land and resources: Start by evaluating the suitability of the land for both agricultural and solar panel installations. The soil will need to support plant growth and accommodate solar panel foundations. Consider water availability and energy resources as agrivoltaic systems are useful in water-scarce areas as they reduce water needs and generate energy.
- Design the system: Choose the right solar panels, examining power output and durability. Panels should be positioned to maximize sunlight exposure while protecting the crops underneath. Select crops that thrive in shaded or cooler environments since they benefit most from the protection solar panels offer against intense UV rays.
- Implementation: Install solar panels with professional help to ensure they are placed correctly for optimal energy generation. Plant and maintain crops according to their specific needs, adjusting cultivation methods based on their performance under the panels. Monitor the water content of the soil to ensure proper hydration.
- Measure the success: Track energy production and crop yields to assess the system’s effectiveness. If outputs are lower than expected, assess the system's design or operation. Also, evaluate the return on investment and the environmental impact of the system to determine its overall success in promoting sustainable practices.
What are the financial and regulatory considerations around Agri-PV?
When installing solar PV and battery storage systems on agricultural property, it is essential to follow the rules, including zoning laws, permits, and health and safety requirements. Agri-PV is not widely defined, which makes it difficult to plan for and finance these installations. Different regions may favour different Agri-PV models based on economic and social factors, with active efforts in countries like Germany, France, and Italy to develop legal standards and guidelines, such as those issued by SolarPower Europe.
Despite this, farms can still profit financially from investing in Agri-PV and battery storage because of lower energy prices and possible government subsidies. By generating and storing their own energy, these technologies help farms become less reliant on the grid and safeguard against changes in energy prices. During blackouts, the stored energy can also offer a dependable backup. Agricultural businesses are encouraged to use government schemes that support renewable energy adoption, helping to mitigate installation costs and improve energy independence.
What are some advantages of PV systems?
Agrivoltaics, combining solar panels with farming, has a number of advantages, especially in hot and dry regions where panels provide shade and help retain groundwater. This allows farmers to generate income from both agriculture and solar energy production, creating a stable source of multiple revenues.
The shade from solar panels also protects farmers from heat-related health risks such as heatstroke and skin cancer, making fieldwork safer. In addition, the presence of panels reduces water evaporation and plant transpiration, conserving water in drought-prone areas.
The systems are normally set up with panels elevated above the ground, providing optimal shading for crops sensitive to heat, and improving water efficiency. The structure also safeguards crops from extreme weather like hail and heavy rainfall, providing added protection and increasing the viability of farming under harsh conditions.
Equans has already installed 5.5 GW of solar energy capacity worldwide, with over 1500 PV experts. At the Romilly-sur-Seine solar power plant, there are around 80,000 panels installed, producing 49 GWh, which is equivalent to the consumption of 22,000 inhabitants.
What are some disadvantages of PV systems?
While the technology is gaining traction, it has several drawbacks. Environmental impact evaluations and coordination between farms, communities, and energy firms are often necessary due to regulatory variances, which can make the process laborious.
Another disadvantage is the high installation and infrastructure costs, particularly the expensive mechanical structures needed, which can be up to three times more than the average rooftop solar system. Farmers also generally lack the technical expertise for maintenance, potentially leading to high costs for professional repairs.
It can be more difficult to use agricultural equipment where there are solar panels and racking systems. While raising panels or widening row spacing can be helpful, they may also increase expenses or land needs.
In arid areas, finding water for irrigation becomes difficult, and choosing the right crops is essential because not all of them can flourish in the shade. Compaction of soil and reduction of fertility during installation by machinery can lead to significant maintenance expenses and liability concerns for solar developers in the event of damage to the systems.
