Student project by Aliyana Avalos, Evalena Dalsbo, Roy Leal, Quinn Norton, Zoe Pfeifer, and Jillian Cadwell
Agrivoltaics: lands that are used for agricultural purposes and solar power production
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
PV panels are a form of solar panel that produce energy by converting sunlight into electricity. Light from the sun hits a PV cell, or solar cell, that is composed of semiconductor material. Each individual cell can produce around 1 to 2 watts.
Electrical
All solar systems require the same basic electrical equipment. This includes a combiner box, utility meters, electric inverters and matching disconnects. The generated energy is distributed by an electrical panel. All unused energy can then be sent to the grid or an on-site battery.
Benefits
Agrivoltaics benefits the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus. PV panels minimizes the amount o fdirect sunlight hitting the crops. This leads to cooler temperatures during warmer days. Evaporation is limited during irrigation allowing water to seep into the soil. Less direct sunlight and efficient water use can boost crop yields.
Structural
PV panel mounts for agrivoltaics are typically pole mounted and elevated in place, but can vary depending on system needs. To carry the load of elevated panels, the structural components are mainly steel paired with foundational support.
Geotechnical
A geotechnical assessment determines potential geological limitations, categorizes soil conditions, and recommends designs. The resulting assessments can identify the style of PV ground-mounts in the shape of concrete foundations. The styles depend on total loads and soil conditions, such as :piers, pedestals, footings, and piles.
Energy Production
As of 2024, agricultural lands producing solar energy was around 62,000 acres, the size of nearly 50,000 football fields. A majority of farms have less than a 5 megawatts energy capacity, ranging from 0.01MW to a max of 660 MW. Combined, these lands generate 10 gigawatts per year. The produced carbon-free energy can be used on-site for: irrigation pumping requirements, powering farm equipment, and lighting farm structures.
Types of Agrivoltaics
Land used for growing crops: can be low growing vegetables, berries, and fruit trees.
Land used for animals grazing below or alongside solar panels: can be sheep, cows, or other livestock.
Land used for growing native plants: can be pollinator plants or native vegetation for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Land used for growing crops in greenhouses: solar panels are installed on top on the greenhouse structure.
References
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-technology-basics
- https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar/canadas-agrivoltaics-opportunity/
- https://www.maysunsolar.com/blog-agrivoltaics-how-solar-panels-are-changing-agriculture/#:~:text=1.,can%20be%20used%20for%20grazing.
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/farmers-guide-going-solar
- https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2023/07/11/the-geotechnical-side-of-solar-installations/
- https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/pdf-doc-ppt/foundations_for_elevated_ground_mount_solar_pv_systems.pdf
- https://www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/solarpvforbuildersoct2009.pdf
- https://www.lg.com/us/solar/blog/what-are-the-components-of-a-solar-system
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/april/common-ground-for-agriculture-and-solar-energy-federal-funding-supports-research-and-development-in-agrivoltaics
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/agrivoltaic-opportunities-grow-crops-in-solar-energy-systems
- https://www.repsol.com/en/energy-and-the-future/future-of-the-world/agrivoltaics/index.cshtml
- https://www.nrel.gov/news/feature/2024/lighting-the-way-for-agrivoltaics#:~:text=Agrivoltaics%20Is%20Having%20a%20Growth,sites%20that%20combine%20these%20activities.&text=Jordan%20Macknick%2C%20who%20leads%20the,Energy%20Agency%20Agrivoltaics%20Action%20Group.
- https://www.nrel.gov/solar/market-research-analysis/agrivoltaics
- https://ceac.arizona.edu/energy-producing-greenhouse-organic-photovoltaics-integrated-greenhouse
- https://www.nrel.gov/news/detail/program/2019/benefits-of-agrivoltaics-across-the-food-energy-water-nexus#:~:text=Implications%20for%20the%20Food%2DEnergy,in%20open%2Dsky%20planting%20areas
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/potential-agrivoltaics-us-solar-industry-farmers-and-communitiesGeotechnicalTypes