Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE) have investigated the impact of single-axis trackers on energy yield and agricultural losses in agrivoltaics. Their study, published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy, found that using horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) systems can help mitigate agricultural yield losses. The researchers used a simulation tool called APyV to assess the impact of solar panel positioning on light availability for crops. A case study of an apple orchard in Germany found that tailored solar panel control led to 91% of the light needed for the apple trees, resulting in a 20% reduction in solar energy production. The study highlights the importance of finding an optimal balance between light available for photosynthesis and electricity production. While the study identifies limitations, it lays the foundation for future research and proposes an absolute targets and control strategy to be field-tested in 2024/2025. The researchers aim to improve the viability of agrivoltaic systems by preserving agricultural yields and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Horizontal single-axis trackers play a crucial role in minimizing yield losses in agrivoltaics projects, according to experts.
