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Characterization of Agrivoltaic Crop Environment Conditions Using Opaque and Thin-Film Semi-Transparent Modules

Author

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  • Mark Uchanski

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Thomas Hickey

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Jennifer Bousselot

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Kurt L. Barth

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
    Current address: Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.)

Abstract

Agrivoltaics (APV), the co-location of agriculture and photovoltaics (PV), addresses an inherent competition for land usage. Taking the same dual-use concept to the urban landscape, rooftop APV can provide locally grown food in areas of need while providing distributed energy generation. In this multi-year investigation, different APV plots in northern Colorado, USA, were studied for crop metrics, light transmission, air temperature, soil/substrate temperature and moisture. Crops were grown under different solar panel types including opaque silicon and opaque and semi-transparent (ST) thin-film CdTe technologies. Growth conditions were characterized showing generally improved conditions and moderated temperatures under the panels. The ST-CdTe panels had increased photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) compared to both opaque panel types without a significant corresponding increase in temperature.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Uchanski & Thomas Hickey & Jennifer Bousselot & Kurt L. Barth, 2023. "Characterization of Agrivoltaic Crop Environment Conditions Using Opaque and Thin-Film Semi-Transparent Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:7:p:3012-:d:1107300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chopdar, R.K. & Sengar, N. & Giri, Nimay Chandra & Halliday, D., 2024. "Comprehensive review on agrivoltaics with technical, environmental and societal insights," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    2. Mouhib, Elmehdi & Fernández-Solas, Álvaro & Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J. & Fernández-Ocaña, Ana M. & Micheli, Leonardo & Almonacid, Florencia & Fernández, Eduardo F., 2024. "Enhancing land use: Integrating bifacial PV and olive trees in agrivoltaic systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).

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