Integrating Agrivoltaic Systems into Local Industries: A Case Study and Economic Analysis of Rural Japan

Abstract

The growing number of photovoltaic installations has created competition in land use between the need for electricity and food. Agrivoltaic systems (AVSs) can help solve this problem by increasing land use efficiency through the co-production of electricity and food. However, in Japan, where more than 2000 AVSs have been installed, some undesirable AVS cases have led to new problems. In this study, we developed an AVS installation model that is compatible with a regional society and limits the scale of AVS installation to a low-risk level. AVS projects have also entered local industrial clusters and stimulated the local economy. In this study, we used public information and geographic information systems to ensure quantifiability and applicability. The results revealed that the rural area targeted in this study had an AVS generation potential of 215% (equal to 17.8 GWh) of the region’s annual electricity consumption and an economic ripple effect of 108.9% (EUR 47.8 million) of the region’s gross regional product. Furthermore, the levelized cost of electricity was estimated to be 14.94–25.54 Euro cents/kWh under secure settings. This study provides solutions to food, economic, and energy problems in rural areas by promoting the installation of AVSs.

A GeoSpatial Information System for Photovoltaic Plants Development and Monitoring

“…Among the literature we have analysed, we have selected (Cui et al, 2023), (Nakata and Ogata, 2023) and (Baghani, 2023) contributions as candidate works to compare with. In detail, (Cui et al, 2023) develops a deep learning based method for estimating power generation by rooftop PV plants installed in urban areas, that is one of our use cases.…”

“…However, it uses UAV photogrammetry. Finally, the work of (Nakata and Ogata, 2023) provides a model for estimating low-risk agrivoltaics plants installation, that is also included in our use cases.…”

Geographic Information System-Based Analysis of Reclaimable Idle Cropland for Agrivoltaics in Kansai, Japan: Enhancing Energy and Food Security

“…This pricing structure suggests challenges in achieving profitability under the current conditions. Nonetheless, when the electricity generated is either consumed onsite or marketed via the feed-in premium (FIP) mechanism, it is considered to be within the range where profitability is possible [26].…”

“…Meanwhile, the research by Muroki et al [24] and Yamada et al [25] have considered AVS installations but have not adequately engaged with the verification processes necessary to assess idle cropland, thus casting food security into question. Furthermore, research by Nakata et al [26] and Sato et al [27] used land use mesh data from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) at an approximate resolution of 100 m to identify idle cropland. Given the smaller scale of Japanese agricultural operations, this approach raises concerns regarding data precision [28].…”

Agrivoltaic: Challenge and Progress

“…The first paper, authored by Nakata H and Ogata S [20], discusses the benefits of an APV installation model that is compatible with the regional population and attempts to gain social acceptance by considering the area's unique characteristics. A case study and economic analysis were conducted in rural Japan to demonstrate the potential of APV in improving land use efficiency and stimulating the local economy.…”