In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, the expansion of photovoltaic (PV) power plants has been a double-edged sword. While the need for solar energy is growing, so is the competition for land use. A recent study led by Manuela Franz, from TU Wien’s Institute of Sensor and Actuator Systems, sheds light on how the efficiency of PV power plants has evolved over the past 16 years, offering insights that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to land use.
The study, published in ‘Energy, Sustainability and Society’, analyzed 107 free-field PV power plants across Europe from 2006 to 2022. The findings reveal a significant reduction in land use per installed power and per generated electrical energy. “We’ve seen a 60% reduction in specific land use per installed power and land use per generated electrical energy over the study period,” Franz explains. This trend is a testament to the rapid advancements in PV technology and mounting designs.
One of the key findings is the decrease in land use per module area for conventional fixed-tilt row systems by 30%. This is a significant development, as it indicates that PV power plants are becoming more efficient in their use of space. However, the study also highlights that the mean land usage of all considered PV power plants is three times greater than the module area. This discrepancy presents an opportunity for innovative designs that could optimize land use further.
The study also compared PV power plants with other renewable energy technologies, revealing that solar thermal heat is distinctly superior in terms of energy yield per unit area. This comparison underscores the need for a more comprehensive European planning strategy for the future location of free-field PV power plants.
The research also highlights the potential for multiple-use systems, particularly with tracking systems that have comparatively large row/pole distances. These systems, while having high land usage, also have a high energy yield, making them suitable for dual-purpose land use. “The high energy yield of tracking systems provides the opportunity for multiple uses of the ground area,” Franz notes.
The implications of this research are vast. As Europe aims to increase its solar energy generation by a factor of 15 by 2050, the findings could influence policy changes and planning strategies. The study recommends defining minimum energy efficiency requirements for new free-field PV power plants and optimizing mounting designs within the fenced area. It also underscores the need for Europe-wide coordination and tailored national and regional definitions to realize the energy transition effectively.
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field by encouraging more efficient use of land, promoting multiple-use systems, and influencing policy changes. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this research could help pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.
