Agrivoltaic Engineering and Layout Optimization Approaches in the Transition to Renewable Energy Technologies: A Review

Meagan Reasoner and Aritra Ghosh ()
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Meagan Reasoner: College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
Aritra Ghosh: College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK

Challenges, 2022, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: As more nations move towards net-zero emission goals by 2050, research into the coupling of photovoltaics (PV) and agriculture has increased into a new sector of agrivoltaics (AV). Measurement of the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) has allowed researchers to develop methods for optimizing the agrivoltaic system. Studies on innovative engineering technologies related to photovoltaic tracking along with new generation PV cells were reviewed to determine the factors that influence optimization. This review also considered AV farm layouts and how different spacing, height, and density impact the shading under the panels. As panels block the light from hitting the plants, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) changes and alters plant growth. The shading, however, also creates micro-climates that have beneficial qualities in terms of water usage and PV efficiency. The overall review investigated the research of the last five years into AV optimization and the implications for future AV developments.

Keywords: agriculture; agrivoltaic; photovoltaic; renewable energy; land-use; sustainable integration; single-axis tracking; dual-axis tracking; crop yield (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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