Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-02 Origin: Site
Agrivoltaics is an innovative approach that combines solar power generation with agricultural production by installing photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems above farmland. This dual-use model enables "two benefits from one piece of land"—simultaneous electricity generation and crop cultivation. It not only enhances land-use efficiency but also provides farmers with additional income, reduces water evaporation, and optimizes crop-growing conditions.
✅ Efficient Land Use: Generates solar power while maintaining agricultural productivity on the same land.
✅ Water Conservation: Solar panels reduce soil moisture evaporation, particularly beneficial in arid regions.
✅ Climate Adaptability: Adjustable mounting systems accommodate different crop needs.
✅ Increased Farmer Income: Solar revenue supplements agricultural earnings, reducing market volatility risks.
Agrivoltaic mounting systems must balance power generation efficiency and farming requirements. The main types include:
Features: Mounting height typically exceeds 2.5 meters, allowing farm machinery (e.g., tractors) to operate underneath.
Applications: Field crops (wheat, corn), vegetable farming, etc.
Advantages: Compatible with traditional farming practices, supports mechanization.
Features: Solar panel angles can be seasonally adjusted to optimize light distribution.
Applications: Shade-tolerant crops (e.g., tea, mushrooms) or environments requiring light regulation.
Advantages: Enhances energy output while preventing crop overexposure or insufficient shading.
Features: Integrates PV panels with greenhouse structures, using semi-transparent designs to ensure photosynthesis.
Applications: High-value cash crops (strawberries, flowers, seedlings, etc.).
Advantages: Enables precise temperature and light control, improving crop quality.
Galvanized Steel: Highly corrosion-resistant, suitable for long-term outdoor use.
Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight, ideal for elevated systems, minimizes soil compaction.
Composite Materials: Used in harsh environments (e.g., coastal saline-alkali areas).
Model: Solar panels installed 3 meters above goji berry farms, allowing unimpeded harvesting.
Results:
Increased annual solar revenue by 30%.
Goji berry yields rose 15% due to reduced evaporation under shading.
Model: Solar panels with 30% light transmission ensured normal rice growth.
Results:
Generated sufficient electricity for local needs.
Rice production remained stable while cutting water usage by 20%.
Model: Elevated PV systems with grass cultivation for livestock grazing.
Results:
Pasture grew more lush under partial shade.
Solar income subsidized farm operational costs.
Integrates IoT technology for automated panel adjustment, optimizing light and irrigation.
Example: Light sensors + smart irrigation enable precision farming.
Combines multi-layer cultivation with overhead solar panels, ideal for urban or land-scarce areas.
Governments worldwide are rolling out subsidies (e.g., China’s "PV + Agriculture" incentives).
Companies are exploring "shared solar" models where farmers lease land for revenue sharing.
Agrivoltaics represents not just a technological advancement but a sustainable synergy between agriculture and clean energy. Despite challenges like high initial investment and technical adaptation, ongoing innovations and policy backing position agrivoltaics as a key future direction for both sectors.
Future Outlook:
Global agrivoltaics market projected to exceed $10 billion by 2030 (Wood Mackenzie).
China, Europe, Japan, and others are accelerating adoption to meet carbon neutrality goals.
The optimization of agrivoltaic mounting systems is paving the way for a sustainable future where energy generation and agriculture thrive together.
