Combining photovoltaic modules and food crops: first agrivoltaic prototype in Belgium

Abstract

Agrovoltaic systems (combination of biomass production and electricity production by photovoltaics (PV)) are typically installed in locations with high insolation and/or arid climates in order to protect the crops against drought and sunburn. However, even in Belgium with a temperate maritime climate, summers are getting warmer and dryer, with reduced crop yields as result. This paper describes the first agrivoltaic prototype in Belgium. By use of a coupled simulation program developed in Python, a checkerboard panel arrangement was selected as an initial validation, in order to have a homogeneous ground radiation and crop growth. Potatoes were grown below the PV modules and the microclimate was measured. Results show lower temperatures below the PV modules and less transpiration and evaporation from crop and soil. The leaf area of the potatoes was larger below the PV modules which indicates an adapted light harvesting capability. Night-time temperatures were not seen to be improved under the agrivoltaic checkerboard structure, which indicates that this arrangement may not provide much protection against frost.

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“…Agrivoltaic applications are wide ranging and vary across geographic context, having been originally deployed with plant-based agriculture such as wheat [33], corn and maize [4,93], aloe vera [88], grapes [67], and lettuce [68]. Researchers studying the effects of colocating crops with solar PV have discovered valuable auxiliary benefits to plants such as reduced temperature fluctuations [14], greater soil moisture retention [45,112], and increased resilience to drought stress [8]. Further, integrating animal husbandry on a solar PV array as a sustainable (environmentally and economically) form of vegetative maintenance has gained popularity [66,73,77], and has been empirically determined to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and demand less fossil energy than conventional separate production [79].…”

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“…Emerging developments include light transmittance and extended service life using foldable PV modules and solar tiles [16] and integrated electrical and thermal energy generation systems [68][69][70]. A key drawback is the nascency of agrovoltaic systems [71][72][73]. As of 2020, the only functional agrovoltaic system was in Belgium [73].…”

“…A key drawback is the nascency of agrovoltaic systems [71][72][73]. As of 2020, the only functional agrovoltaic system was in Belgium [73]. The newness of agrovoltaics is a limiting factor given the barriers to new technology adoption.…”

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