AGROVOLTAICA
What is "Agrovoltaics"?
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We call "agrovoltaic energy" the technology that combines good agricultural practices with modern solar technology to produce clean electricity, improve the use of agricultural land, and reduce water consumption.
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How Does Agrovoltaics Work?
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Agrovoltaic systems combine both energy production and food production. When solar panels are elevated, crops can grow underneath in local and fluctuating shade.
Solar panels in agricultural environments maintain a lower average temperature than those installed in urban areas, which can maximize energy production in these settings.
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Advantages of Agrovoltaics
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The agricultural-photovoltaic fusion has a positive impact on agricultural systems by enabling both food and electricity production on the same land.
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Studies have shown that crop yields improve in these systems, particularly in environments with high radiation and temperatures.
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Types of Agrovoltaic Installations
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Currently, several basic solar panel placement systems are used in agrovoltaics:
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Between crop rows.
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On poles above crops.
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In greenhouses.
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In vineyards.
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Each system can be adjusted to maximize the solar energy absorption of both the solar panels and the crops.
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Water Impact in Agrovoltaics
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The water impact of agrovoltaics is highly beneficial for certain crops, such as lettuce.
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With irrigation and solar panels, studies have shown that water evaporation is reduced, making agrovoltaic systems highly suitable for water-scarce regions where conserving water is crucial.
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According to several studies, the combined cost of solar energy generation and the cultivation of shade-tolerant crops increases the value of farms by more than 30% compared to traditional agriculture.
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However, shade crops represent only a small portion of agricultural productivity. For example, wheat crops do not thrive under low-light conditions, making them unsuitable for agrovoltaic systems.
In such cases, farmers could opt for alternative clean and renewable energy systems.
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As we can see, agrovoltaics is emerging as a key trend in the solar energy sector, offering great business opportunities, job creation, and a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
