A Decision Support Software Application for the Design of Agrophotovoltaic Systems in Republic of Korea

Youngjin Kim, Yeongjae On, Junyong So, Sumin Kim () and Sojung Kim ()
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Youngjin Kim: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
Yeongjae On: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
Junyong So: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
Sumin Kim: Department of Environmental Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea
Sojung Kim: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Agrophotovoltaic (APV) systems produce both solar energy and crops, so they are considered a sustainable alternative to traditional solar power plants, which can potentially destroy farmlands. However, it is challenging to diffuse APV systems because of their high installation and operating costs. Thus, to resolve the issue by maximizing the productivity and profits of an APV system, this study aims to propose a mobile-phone-based decision support system (DSS) for a supply chain network design for APV systems in South Korea using satellite imagery incorporating geographic information system (GIS) data. Particularly, polynomial regression models estimating annual corn ( Zea mays ) yields and the predicted generation of electricity were developed and integrated with the proposed DSS. Field experiment data provided by the APV system at Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services in South Korea were utilized. Two photovoltaic (PV) module types (mono-facial and bi-facial) and three different shading ratios for APV systems (21.3%, 25.6%, and 32.0%) were considered design factors for APV systems. An optimal network structure of 6 candidate APV systems and 15 agricultural markets was devised using the generalized reduced gradient (GRG) method. The profits of the six candidate APV systems are mainly affected by the transportation costs to the markets and the policy of the electricity selling prices. As a result, the proposed supply chain design framework successfully identifies an APV system network with maximum profits from crop production as well as electricity generation.

Keywords: agrophotovoltaic; corn production; photovoltaic; renewable energy; emission reduction; supply chain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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