Agrophotovoltaics is based on photovoltaic installations that consist of light-transmitting modules placed on structures higher than those commonly used on land. Thanks to this, you can farm, grow flowers, vegetables, fruit and cereals under the panels.
Photo from the Internet: https://www.enelgreenpower.com/media/news/2022/12/agrivoltaics-benefits-world-agriculture
Dear friend Bartłomiej Igliński
Ah, the wonders of agrophotovoltaics, a realm where innovation meets cultivation! I see great potential in the rapid development of agrophotovoltaics.
Why, you Bartłomiej Igliński ask? Well, it's a brilliant convergence of sustainable energy and agriculture. Farmers, in the grand scheme of things, stand to benefit significantly:
1. **Dual Land Use:** Agrophotovoltaics ingeniously combines solar power generation with traditional farming. It's a synergy of land use, where you're not just harvesting sunlight for energy but also cultivating crops beneath.
2. **Increased Land Productivity:** By using the vertical space above the crops for solar panels, farmers can maximize land productivity. Essentially, you're getting two yields from the same piece of land - food and clean energy.
3. **Enhanced Resource Utilization:** The shade provided by solar panels can be beneficial in certain climates, preventing water evaporation and offering protection to crops during extreme weather conditions. It's like giving your plants a cozy spot under the sun.
4. **Economic Viability:** While initial setup costs might be a consideration, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced energy bills and potentially increased crop yields can make agrophotovoltaics economically viable.
5. **Environmental Friendliness:** Agrophotovoltaics promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to both energy and agriculture. It aligns well with the growing demand for environmentally conscious practices.
However, like any innovation, challenges might arise, such as the initial investment cost, technological advancements, and the need for suitable policies. But I believe that with the right support and continued advancements, agrophotovoltaics indeed has the potential to rapidly develop and revolutionize the way we approach both farming and energy production. It's a win-win scenario for farmers and the environment alike!
It's already a booming industry, particularly in Europe because of the limited free land space for regular PV, high cost of electricity, etc. There is also some potential synergy because PV panels can provide the needed shade, shelter, etc.
Article Nexus between agriculture and photovoltaics (agrivoltaics, a...
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/12/06/french-olive-oil-sector-seeks-relaunch-via-agrivoltaics/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/11/29/industry-pushes-for-agricentricity-at-agrivoltaics2023/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/11/15/european-commission-approves-italys-incentive-scheme-for-agrivoltaics/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/11/03/india-agrivoltaics-alliance-to-promote-integration-of-solar-agriculture/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/10/31/baywa-re-starts-building-agrivoltaic-project-in-france/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/events/agrivoltaics-industry-forum-europe-2023/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/10/13/using-agrivoltaics-on-1-of-eu-farmland-could-lead-to-944-gw-installed-capacity-jrc-says/
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2023/10/05/luxembourg-allocates-52-7-mw-in-agrivoltaic-tender/
Agree with the bright future notions of Kaushik Shandilya , and also from the conversations between Phil Geis and Chris Gueymard , it does seem that even at the most advanced of situations, this is yet to be implemented at a full scale.
A strong policy development, security and liability sharing is required for such practice, especially in global south where technological know-how and rule-of-law are somewhat lacking, and where agriculture is still a strongly social endevours without much of large private farms monopolizing agriculture. More reserach about-field-level experience, with active participation of all levels of stakeholders are necessary here.
Consider these cases where solar panels are owned by well-to-do (not marginal) farmers that are rented from NGO's. Now
DO remember that, I report such idea as an anecdotal informant, not as a scientist (my field of expertise is materials science), so there can be mosconceptions.
Best wishes
Sumit Bhowmick
off course, agrophotovoltaics can rapid the development and the farmers will definitely benefit from this adoption. But this waiting the cost reduction from thier government especially for the small farmers. In the long time, by the integrated approach between all the green energy sources especially solar photovoltaic and biomass, the benefits will be achieve economically and environmentally.
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