In a groundbreaking study published in the journal “Energy Nexus” (formerly known as “Energy Reports”), researchers have uncovered a promising solution to the long-standing challenge of land use competition between agriculture and solar energy production. The study, led by Erlend Hustad Honningdalsnes from the Department of Solar Power Systems at the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Norway, demonstrates that vertical agrivoltaics—an innovative approach that integrates crop cultivation between rows of vertical solar panels—can not only mitigate shading losses but also lead to net-positive crop yields in Northern Europe.
The research, which combines advanced modeling techniques, reveals that the wind sheltering effect provided by vertical solar panels can significantly enhance agricultural productivity. “We found that the wind sheltering from vertical solar panels can compensate for the shading losses and even lead to increased crop yields,” Honningdalsnes explains. This is achieved through improved soil moisture retention, higher ambient temperatures, and protection from wind erosion and damage.
The study utilized a sophisticated modeling framework that integrated ERA5 weather data (2010–2023), Computational Fluid Dynamics for wind simulation (OpenFOAM), ray tracing for shading analysis (Honeybee Radiance), and a crop growth simulation model (CATIMO). The researchers focused on timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.), a crucial forage crop in Northern Europe.
The findings are striking: vertical agrivoltaics decreased ground irradiation by 15–16% and reduced seasonal mean crop zone wind speeds by up to 40% (up to 88% for perpendicular winds), lowering evapotranspiration. When combining shading, wind reduction, and a conservative +0.5 °C shelter-induced temperature increase, the model predicted an average regional yield increase of +2.4% compared to traditional agriculture. Yield improvements were particularly notable in drought-prone soils (+3.7%) and dry, sunny years (e.g., +9.2% in 2018).
These results suggest that vertical agrivoltaics can improve agricultural resilience under challenging conditions, offering a dual benefit for both the energy and agricultural sectors. “This study demonstrates that agrivoltaic modeling, particularly for vertical systems, should incorporate wind shelter effects to avoid fundamentally underestimating crop yield potential,” Honningdalsnes emphasizes.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, vertical agrivoltaics presents a viable solution to maximize land use efficiency. By integrating solar energy production with agriculture, this approach can help meet energy needs without compromising food security.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for regions like Northern Europe, where harsh weather conditions and limited arable land pose significant challenges. The integration of vertical agrivoltaics could revolutionize agricultural practices, enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
As the world seeks sustainable solutions to the interconnected challenges of energy production and food security, this research offers a promising path forward. By harnessing the synergistic benefits of vertical agrivoltaics, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.