A recent study led by Silvia Ma Lu from Mälardalen University has made significant strides in optimizing agrivoltaic systems, which combine solar energy generation with agricultural production. This research, published in the ‘AgriVoltaics Conference Proceedings,’ focuses on how ground albedo—essentially the reflectivity of the ground—affects the performance of bifacial solar panels. These panels can harness sunlight from both the front and rear sides, making them particularly effective in agricultural settings where land is shared between crops and solar energy production.
The study employs a bifacial photovoltaic model called AgriOptiCE, developed using Matlab® and based on the open-source package pvlib. The model was validated by comparing its estimates of irradiance—the power of solar radiation—against actual measurements taken from a 1-axis tracking system in Golden, USA, and a vertical agrivoltaic system in Västerås, Sweden. The results were promising, demonstrating a high accuracy in estimating both front and rear irradiances, with an R2 value greater than 0.85 across all tested scenarios.
One of the key findings of the study is the significance of using measured albedo for accurate performance assessments. “Measured albedo provides the highest accuracy,” Ma Lu noted, highlighting the limitations of satellite-derived albedo, which tends to have broader spatial and temporal resolutions. The research suggests that relying on fixed albedo values for yearly assessments is not advisable, as it fails to account for variations such as snow events, leading to less reliable outcomes.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, particularly for companies involved in the development and deployment of agrivoltaic systems. By utilizing more accurate albedo measurements, these companies can enhance the efficiency and profitability of their solar energy projects. This is especially relevant in regions where agricultural land is abundant, allowing for dual use of land resources.
As the push for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, the integration of solar technology with agricultural practices presents a viable pathway for reducing carbon footprints while maintaining food production. The findings from Ma Lu’s study could serve as a foundation for future advancements in the field, opening up commercial opportunities in both the solar and agricultural sectors.
For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit Mälardalen University.
