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WHAT IS AGRIVOLTAICS?
The fast growing concept of Agrivoltaics, which has great potential, refers to the joint development of the same land area for solar PV and agriculture, allowing the cohabitation of two key sectors. Several types of Agrivoltaics have already been developed around the world, with a wide variety of innovative approaches emerging in recent years that will be a key part of the energy and climate transition.
In other words, Agrivoltaics mainly consists of combining agricultural production and renewable energy generation, i.e. solar panels coexisting with crops on the same surface. This innovative approach aims to create value both in the territory and in the local communities where it operates.
Suitability of Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics provides an effective, efficient and innovative solution to the competition for land use through the creation of synergies between renewable energies and agriculture, while promoting sustainable rural development and the protection of biodiversity and the ecosystem.
This is one of the main objectives of the so-called Green Deal, which establishes a series of measures aimed at favouring the decarbonization of the sector and in which Agrovoltaics plays a fundamental role.
An Initial estimates by industry experts show that India has an agriPV potential of about 2.8 TW, highlighting the immense scope of this technology. AgriPV bears the potential to provide improved conditions for the growth of specific shade-loving crops. These include leafy greens, tomatoes, root vegetables, and tubers.
Types of Agrivoltaics
ELEVATED AGRIVOLTAICS
This type of Agrivoltaics system implementation is defined by the fact that the photovoltaic panels are higher than usual by using specially designed mounting structures. This makes the distance between photovoltaic panels and ground to be greater (from 2.5m to 5m generally) depending on the objectives and needs of the project. This makes it possible to grow larger crops and harvests, such as fruit trees or vineyards.
Sunlight can easily penetrate the crops and plantations through the space left between the photovoltaic panels, allowing their proper development. In addition, the height of these panels can be modified according to the needs of the project, allowing the passage of harvesting machinery, manpower, etc.
GROUND-BASED AGRIVOLTAICS
When it comes to the implementation of Agrivoltaics, the installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels is the most common option for large-scale projects (>5 MW). This type of Agrovoltaics leads to an increase in animal welfare due to easy access to shade, and it is also possible to plant permanent vegetation and pasture between and below the solar panels for grazing.
Solar tracking structures are the most suitable as they offer additional opportunities through the optimization of the sun and shade of the underlying crops, achieving a balance in agricultural and energy production. In addition, it allows to protect crops from adverse weather effects, favouring their growth.
GREENHOUSE AGRIVOLTAICS
A greenhouse Agrovoltaics is a greenhouse structure that has solar panels installed. They collect the light from the sun and transform it into heat. It provides the right environment for the growth of plants even in unfavourable climatic conditions.
Undoubtedly, the sun provides all greenhouses with the necessary light for photosynthesis. But by using a light-altering dye or adding solar panels on the roof, a solar energy greenhouse can assist plants in the process of photosynthesis.
Another type of greenhouse Agrivoltaics consists of the integration of photovoltaic panels on the greenhouse roof, which leads to the generation of renewable energy that can be injected into the grid, for storage or for the consumption and needs of the greenhouse (lighting, irrigation system, etc.) in a sustainable way without reducing its production.
Benefits of Agrivoltaics
The world of agriculture can reap numerous benefits through Agrivoltaics
Greater yield from the land in terms of crop and energy production
Agrivoltaics increases the utilization and productivity of land and same area can be used for both agricultural activities and generation of electricity through Photovoltaic system. Different studies across the world show that the yield from land can be increased up-to 180% compared to single use.
Reduced water demand for irrigation
Agrivoltaics reduces the consumption of water for irrigation by up-to 30% as evaporation rate is decreased due to the shade provided by solar PV modules. It also helps in increasing soil moisture and maintaining optimal water level for plants.
Protection of Biodiversity and Ecosystem
The integration of agrivoltaics contributes to sustainable development and the protection and improvement of biodiversity and the ecosystem by prohibiting the use of herbicides.
Protection against high temperatures and extreme weather
Agrivoltaics provide protection to plant from extreme temperatures and weather. High temperature and excess sunlight increases water demand in plants which potentially causes damage and hinders growth of crops. Solar panels can be adjusted to allow the optimal amount of sunlight.
Higher Income and improved performance
Complete integration and synergy of between electricity and agriculture help farmers increase their income as they can sell the electricity to utility-grid while making no compromise on crop yield. Also, the existence of crops under Solar PV modules helps to reduce the temperature of PV modules and increases their productivity by up-to 10% (various studies claim).
Energy Independence and Revitalization of Farming
Agrivoltaics gives Energy independence to farmers as electricity produces can be used for various purposes like lighting, irrigation, etc. Building an Agrivoltaic system helps to counteract the abandonment of land and helps in revitalizing farming activities. Agrivoltaics can also offer new opportunities for social development of an entire community.
Decarbonization of sector
Agrivoltaics helps in Decarbonization of the agricultural sector and helps in walking a step toward Green, Clean, Smart, and Sustainable development.
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