Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Milan and Vector Renewables have developed a comprehensive simulation framework for optimizing agrivoltaic systems in open-field configurations. The framework considers multiple design parameters that impact both crop and energy performance, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of agrivoltaic systems. The researchers used sensitivity analysis to investigate 60 system configurations, varying parameters such as module arrangement, ground coverage ratio, crop type, and more. The framework also incorporates crop yield response curves for multiple crops, enabling the analysis of how different crops respond to different shading patterns. The study found that land productivity values were well above the unitary value in most configurations, indicating the potential for greater efficiency of dual land use in agrivoltaic systems. The framework was published in the journal Applied Energy and is intended to contribute to the development of standardized design practices and decision-support tools for agrivoltaic systems.
Revolutionary agrivoltaics simulation tool boosts combined land use productivity.
