Agrivoltaics, a combination of agriculture and photovoltaics, is gaining popularity in Africa as a sustainable solution to address energy, food security, and climate resilience challenges. To optimize agrivoltaic systems, research is needed to identify the ideal combinations of crops and PV installations to maximize land productivity and economic returns. This research should examine how solar panels affect light availability, temperature, and soil moisture, and how these changes influence crop growth. The ideal crop-PV combinations can vary depending on the region and crops, with some crops thriving under partial shading and others requiring more direct sunlight. Research on optimal crop-PV combinations can enhance resilience by identifying crops that benefit from shaded environments, support sustainable agriculture by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water, and propel technological advancements in agrivoltaics. Collaborative efforts between governments, universities, and private sector stakeholders are necessary to accelerate innovation and scale up agrivoltaic adoption.
Fostering a deeper understanding of the most beneficial crop-photovoltaic system pairings in African agrivoltaics landscapes.
