Agrivoltaic: What It Is and How It Works

What Is an Agrivoltaic System?

An agrivoltaic system is a setup that combines renewable energy production with the cultivation of agricultural land.

Unlike traditional photovoltaic systems, an agrivoltaic system is designed taking into account the needs of the crops below.

Agrovoltaic panels are installed on elevated structures that allow the cultivation of the land underneath: their structure ensures optimal growth conditions for agricultural products and soil fertility.

It is, therefore, a virtuous model of energy production that reduces competition for land use between energy production and agricultural production.

How an Agrivoltaic System Is Constructed: The Hardware

Hardware is an essential component for the installation and construction of agrivoltaic structures.

The panels are indeed made up of modules raised from the ground: it is necessary that they are solidly fixed to the ground and that they can withstand potential corrosion caused by outdoor life.

As hardware elements that can be used for the construction of agrivoltaic panels, we can mention:

• Rivets
• Flat, serrated, and spring washers
• Threaded rods
• Hex head screw UNI 5739
• TCEI screw DIN 912
• Flanged serrated hex nut

It is advisable to prefer hot-dip galvanized hardware, capable of ensuring longevity to the systems.

How Agrivoltaics Work

Agrivoltaic systems work in the same way as traditional photovoltaic systems: they transform sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels.

The main difference lies in the fact that, under these panels, there is an area dedicated to crops. In other words, these are photovoltaic systems on agricultural lands.

This setup allows the plants to benefit from a protected and regulated environment, while the panels produce energy. The sunlight is partially filtered by the panels, which can have benefits for some crops that need shade or protection from direct solar radiation.

Types of Agrivoltaic Systems

Over the years, different solutions that combine agriculture and renewable energy production have been developed.

The three most common types of agrivoltaic solutions are:

• Photovoltaic greenhouses: use semi-transparent photovoltaic panels that allow both the growth of the plants underneath and the production of electrical energy;
  
  
  
  

• Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems: a widespread type, involves positioning the panels directly on the ground, integrating them with other crops;
  
  
  
  

• Agrivoltaic parks: are large photovoltaic installations combined with agricultural activities, often located on low-quality lands not suitable for traditional agriculture. These installations promote sustainable land use allowing clean energy production.
  
  

Advantages of Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics offer a series of benefits for both the environment and farmers:

• Reduction of evaporation: Solar panels reduce evaporation, helping to conserve soil moisture and reducing the need for irrigation;
• Weather protection: Crops are protected from weather conditions, such as hail or excessive rain, thanks to the presence of panels;
• Increase in biodiversity: The shade created by the panels can create a favorable microclimate for certain species of plants and animals, contributing to increasing biodiversity in the area;
• Sustainability: It is a sustainable solution that contributes to the fight against climate change, combining clean energy production and sustainable agricultural practices.

Agrivoltaics represent one of the most promising innovations in the field of renewable energies and agriculture: by effectively combining energy production and cultivation, it proves to be a sustainable solution for the future of our planet.

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