Optimization of vertically mounted agrivoltaic systems

Abstract: Agrivoltaic systems represent a key technology for reaching sustainable development goals reducing the completion of land for food versus land for energy. Moreover, agrivoltaic systems are at the centre of the nexus between electricity production, crop production, and irrigation water saving. In this study, an optimization model for vertically mounted agrivoltaic systems with bifacial photovoltaic models is developed. The model combines three main submodels: solar radiation and shadings, photovoltaic, and crop yield. Validation of the submodels is performed showing good agreement with measured data and commercial software. The optimization model is set as multi objective to explore the trade-offs between competing agrivoltaic key performance indicators. The results shows that the row distance between bifacial photovoltaic modules structure affects significantly the photosyntetically active radiation distribution by reducing the crop yield of potato and oat of about 50% by passing from 20 m to 5 m. The implementation of agrivoltaic system for the investigated crops at the chosen location shows a land equivalent ratio above 1.2 that justify the technology for reaching the country sustainability goals.