Techno-economic study of agrovoltaic systems focusing on orchard crops

Oral presentationstatus: accepte

Combining photovoltaic modules and food crops: first agrovoltaic prototype in Belgium

Agrovoltaic systems (combination of biomass production and electricity production by photovoltaics (PV)) are typically installed in locations with high insolation and/or arid climates in order to protect the crops against drought and sunburn. However, even in Belgium with a temperate maritime climate, summers are getting warmer and dryer, with reduced crop yields as result. This paper describes the first agrovoltaic prototype in Belgium. By use of a coupled simulation program developed in Python, a checkerboard panel arrangement was selected as an initial validation, in order to have a homogeneous ground radiation and crop growth. Potatoes were grown below the PV modules and the microclimate was measured. Results show lower temperatures below the PV modules and less transpiration and evaporation from crop and soil. The leaf area of the potatoes was larger below the PV modules which indicates an adapted light harvesting capability. Night-time temperatures were not seen to be improved under the agrovoltaic checkerboard structure, which indicates that this arrangement may not provide much protection against frost.status: accepte

Theoretical potential of agrovoltaic systems in Europe: a preliminary study with winter wheat

This study presents an evaluation of the potential of agrovoltaic (combined use of photovoltaic systems and crop production) systems in Europe, using a python-based agrovoltaic simulation tool. The evaluation is based on three criteria: the PV energy yield, potential crop yield, and the agronomic impact of the agrovoltaic system on the biomass yield. Results confirm that the potential of PV energy increases with decreasing latitude, i.e. higher solar insolation levels. In contrast, the potential agricultural yield of winter wheat mainly depends on the variety of the crop and its ability to absorb light in shaded conditions. The leaf area index will be a crucial parameter in order to evaluate the performance in agrovoltaic conditions. It is concluded that the biggest potential in Europe for agrovoltaic systems with winter wheat is situated around the Mediterranean region, with a high PV performance, limited grain yield losses and a high potential of additional protection against heat stress and drought by agrovoltaic structures.status: accepte

Techno-economic study of agrovoltaic systems focusing on orchard crops

his paper presents a novel 3D agrovoltaic modelling tool developed in python which enables technical and economical evaluation of potential agrovoltaic designs. It has been designed and applied for fruitcrops which typically have a crucial flowering period.To illustrate the potential of this tool, a case study for pear trees in Bierbeek, Belgium is shown. While manygeometrical parameters of agrovoltaic systems are fixed in practice, however, there is also the need to model the impact ofPV modules on the tree light interception.The results of themodellingshow that the amount of solar radiation depends on the modulesused, with semi-transparent modules offering better light distribution and reduced crop loss. Based on the modelling, a prototype agrovoltaic set-up with pear trees and semi-transparent modules has been built in Bierbeek, Belgium.status: accepte

A standardized classification and performance indicators of agrivoltaic systems

status: accepte

Plant Physiology and Agrivoltaics: Measurable Indicators of Crop Growth Potential

status: publishe