A recent study led by Eshwar Ravishankar from North Carolina State University has unveiled promising advancements in agrivoltaics—an innovative approach that combines agricultural production with solar energy generation. The research, published in the ‘AgriVoltaics Conference Proceedings,’ focuses on the use of spectral beam splitter integrated photovoltaic (BSIPV) modules, which could significantly enhance land use efficiency for both food and energy production.
Agrivoltaics typically employs opaque photovoltaic devices that absorb a significant portion of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the light spectrum essential for plant growth. This absorption can lead to reduced crop yields and inconsistent light distribution across farmland. However, the BSIPV technology demonstrates a breakthrough: it allows approximately 66% of PAR to pass through to the crops while redirecting near-infrared radiation (NIR) to adjacent bifacial opaque solar panels, where it can be converted into electricity.
The study utilized a performance model to analyze the effectiveness of this technology in a cool season setting in Yuma, Arizona. The findings revealed that conventional opaque PV agrivoltaic farms experienced a 43% reduction in total daylight integral (TDLI) compared to open fields, with considerable variability in light distribution. In contrast, the BSIPV system limited the drop in TDLI to just 7%, with a much lower variability of 14%. This translates to a 36% improvement in light availability for crops, which could lead to higher yields and more stable agricultural outputs.
Ravishankar emphasized the significance of these results, stating, “The BSIPV showed a 36% improvement in TDLI relative to the conventional opaque PV agrivoltaic farm.” This improvement not only enhances crop productivity but also optimizes solar energy generation, making it a dual-benefit solution for land use.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the demand for sustainable food production and renewable energy continues to rise, the BSIPV technology presents a viable option for farmers and energy producers alike. By integrating this advanced solar technology into existing agricultural practices, stakeholders can maximize land use, increase crop yields, and generate clean energy simultaneously.
The study by Ravishankar and his team opens the door for further exploration and potential commercialization of spectral beam splitting technologies in agrivoltaics, highlighting a pathway towards more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
