Agri Solar: A Sustainable Solution for Food and Energy

Imagine a world where we can produce more food and more energy on the same land, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing biodiversity. A world where farmers can diversify their income and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. A world where consumers can enjoy high-quality food and clean electricity at affordable prices. This is the world that agri solar can create.

Agri solar, also known as agrivoltaics, is a new approach that combines solar panels and crops in a mutually beneficial way. The idea is to use the space between and under the solar panels to grow crops, or to install the panels above existing farmland. This way, the land can serve two purposes at once: generating clean electricity and producing food.

But how does this work in practice? And what are the benefits of agri solar for farmers, consumers, and the environment? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more, based on the latest research and examples from around the world. We will also provide some tips and resources for those who are interested in implementing agri solar on their own land.

How does agri solar work?

There are different ways to implement agri solar, depending on the type and size of the photovoltaic (PV) system, the crop species, and the local climate and soil conditions. Some of the common methods are:

- Fixed-tilt PV systems: These are solar panels that are mounted on fixed structures at a certain angle and orientation. They can be installed above crops that do not require much sunlight, such as lettuce, spinach, or herbs. The panels can also provide shade and reduce water evaporation for these crops. This can improve their growth and quality, as well as save water and irrigation costs.

- Single-axis tracking PV systems: These are solar panels that rotate along one axis to follow the sun throughout the day. They can be installed above taller crops, such as maize, wheat, or sunflowers. The panels can increase the yield of these crops by creating a microclimate that reduces heat stress and improves photosynthesis. This can also prevent crop losses due to droughts or heat waves.

- Dual-axis tracking PV systems: These are solar panels that rotate along two axes to track the sun more precisely. They can be installed above perennial crops, such as grapes, berries, or nuts. The panels can enhance the quality of these crops by regulating the temperature and humidity levels. This can also increase their shelf life and market value.

- Ground-mounted PV systems: These are solar panels that are installed on the ground, leaving some space between them for crop cultivation. They can be used for crops that have low height and canopy cover, such as potatoes, carrots, or beans. The panels can also protect these crops from frost and hail damage. This can reduce crop losses and insurance costs.

The optimal design of the PV system depends on several factors, such as the type of crop, the amount of sunlight, the soil quality, the water availability, and the electricity demand. For example, some crops may benefit from partial shading, while others may need full sunlight. Some crops may need more water than others, which may affect the irrigation system. Some crops may have higher value than others, which may affect the return on investment.

Therefore, it is important to conduct a feasibility study before implementing agri solar on a specific site. This can help to determine the best combination of crops and PV systems that can maximize the benefits of agri solar.

What are the benefits of agri solar?

Agri solar has many advantages for farmers, consumers, and the environment. Some of the main benefits are:

- Increased land productivity: Agri solar can increase the economic value of land by generating two sources of income: electricity sales and crop sales. According to a study by Fraunhofer ISE, agri solar can increase land productivity by 60% to 160%, depending on the crop type and PV system design. This means that farmers can earn more money from their land without expanding their cultivated area or using more resources.

- Reduced CO2 emissions: Agri solar can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. According to a study by NREL, agri solar can reduce CO2 emissions by 330 kg per MWh of electricity generated, compared to conventional coal-fired power plants. This means that farmers can contribute to mitigating climate change by producing clean energy from their land.

- Improved food security: Agri solar can improve food security by increasing crop yields and quality. According to a study by Arizona State University, agri solar can increase crop yields by 15% to 40%, depending on the crop type and PV system design. Agri solar can also improve crop quality by reducing pest infestation and fungal diseases. This means that farmers can produce more food and better food from their land without using more pesticides or fertilizers.

- Enhanced biodiversity: Agri solar can enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife and pollinators. According to a study by Oregon State University, agri solar can increase plant diversity by 90% and pollinator abundance by 200%, compared to conventional farmland. This means that farmers can support the ecosystem and the natural services it provides, such as pollination, pest control, and soil fertility.

These benefits are not only for farmers, but also for consumers and society as a whole. Consumers can enjoy more food and energy options that are locally produced, organic, and sustainable. Society can benefit from reduced environmental impacts, improved public health, and increased social equity.

What are some examples of agri solar projects?

Agri solar is gaining popularity around the world, with many projects being implemented or planned in different countries. Some of the notable examples are:

- Agrovoltaic.org: This is a global network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are working to promote agri solar as a sustainable solution for food and energy production. The network provides information, resources, and best practices for agri solar projects. The network also organizes events, workshops, and webinars to share knowledge and experiences on agri solar.

- Arka360: This is a company that provides turnkey solutions for agri solar projects in India. The company has installed over 100 MW of agri solar capacity across various states in India, benefiting over 10,000 farmers. The company also offers training, maintenance, and financing services for agri solar projects.

- AgroSolar Europe: This is a project funded by the European Union that aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of agri solar in Europe. The project involves four pilot sites in France, Germany, Italy, and Greece, where different types of crops and PV systems are tested. The project also involves stakeholder engagement, dissemination, and policy recommendations for agri solar.

- Agrivoltaics4Africa: This is a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research that aims to develop and implement agri solar solutions for rural communities in Africa. The project involves six pilot sites in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal, and Uganda, where different types of crops and PV systems are tested. The project also involves capacity building, knowledge transfer, and social impact assessment for agri solar.

These are just some of the examples of agri solar projects around the world. There are many more initiatives that are exploring the potential of agri solar in different regions and contexts.

Conclusion

Agri solar is a promising approach that can address the challenges of food and energy security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. By combining solar panels and crops in a synergistic way, agri solar can increase land productivity, reduce CO2 emissions, improve food security, and enhance biodiversity. Agri solar is also a viable option for farmers who want to diversify their income and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

If you are interested in learning more or need professional assistance with your designs, engineering and feasibility studies, please feel free to contact me or any of the PV solar experts and consultants in my network. I would love to hear from you and discuss how we can work together to make your agri solar dreams a reality. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates on my LinkedIn page.

How can we produce more food and energy without harming the environment?
Agri Solar is a novel approach that combines solar panels and crops on the same land. By doing so, it can increase the efficiency of both systems, reduce water consumption, and create a more resilient and sustainable agriculture. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of Agri Solar, and how it can help us achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Chris Murray, chris.murray@welado.fi, +358 40 149 3888

EPC Project Manager & PV Solar expert | BMS & HVAC | Finland