Farm Solar PV Mounting Systems: Technology, Applications, And Prospects

I. Introduction

With the growing global demand for renewable energy, agricultural solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems—an innovative technology integrating agriculture with solar power generation—have gained increasing attention. They enable efficient land utilization while providing clean energy for agricultural production, creating a win-win scenario for both agriculture and the energy industry.

II. Technical Features of Agricultural Solar PV Mounting Systems

1. Structural Design

• Fixed Mounts: Feature stable structures suitable for large-scale deployment with relatively low installation costs, but lack sun-tracking capabilities.

• Flexible Mounts: Ideal for complex terrains and large-span sites (e.g., mountains, slopes, fish ponds). Offer strong wind resistance, short construction cycles, and minimal foundation requirements.

• Tracking Mounts: Automatically adjust angles to maximize direct sunlight exposure and boost power generation efficiency. However, they involve higher costs and complex maintenance.

2. Material Selection

• Common materials include aluminum alloy and steel. Aluminum alloy mounts are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for humid environments; steel mounts offer superior load-bearing capacity but are prone to corrosion.

3. Installation Methods

• Installation must account for crop light requirements and machinery operation space. For example, open-frame PV greenhouses require mounts exceeding 1.5m in height to accommodate agricultural machinery.

III. Application Scenarios

1. Agricultural Greenhouses

• Full-Shade Type: Suitable for shade-tolerant crops (e.g., mushrooms, medicinal herbs).

• Partial-Shade Type: Ideal for leafy vegetables sensitive to intense light.

• Non-Shading Type: PV modules installed on greenhouse rear roofs without affecting natural lighting.

• Yin-Yang Greenhouse Model: Combines sunlit and shaded sections for diversified cultivation.

2. Livestock Farming

• PV modules installed on barn roofs provide electricity without disrupting farming operations.

3. Fishery-Photovoltaic Integration

• Mounting systems deployed above water bodies enable simultaneous power generation and aquaculture.

4. Open Farmland

• Adjustable-height open-frame PV mounts adapt to diverse crop growth needs across expansive farmland.

IV. Advantages and Challenges

1. Advantages

• Efficient Land Use: Achieves dual-purpose land utilization without altering land designation.

• Energy Savings: Supplies clean energy for agriculture, reducing operational costs.

• Economic Benefits: Surplus electricity can be sold to grids, increasing farmers’ income.

• Eco-Friendliness: Reduces reliance on traditional energy and lowers carbon emissions.

2. Challenges

• High Initial Investment: Particularly for flexible and tracking mounts.

• Maintenance Complexity: Elevated costs for cleaning and repairing PV modules and mounts.

• Technical Expertise: Requires specialized design/installation teams to ensure system stability and safety.

• Light Competition: PV shading may compromise crop light requirements.

V. Future Outlook

As an emerging "PV + Agriculture" model, agricultural solar mounting systems hold vast development potential. Technological advancements and declining costs will expand their applications. Future innovations in structural design, material performance, and maintenance efficiency will accelerate global adoption, driving agricultural modernization and energy transition.

In summary, agricultural solar PV mounting systems offer innovative pathways for farming development and clean energy utilization. Bolstered by policy support and technological breakthroughs, this field is poised for significant growth opportunities.