Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Solar Panels: A Review of Agrivoltaic Systems

Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Solar Panels: A Review of Agrivoltaic Systems

19 August 2024 | Diego Soto-Gómez
This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV), which integrate solar panels with agricultural and livestock activities to optimize land use and generate clean energy. The transition to renewable energy sources, driven by climate change, land use competition, and fossil fuel scarcity, has led to the exploration of new methods to enhance land efficiency. AV systems not only produce energy but also maintain or increase agricultural and livestock yields, offering a sustainable strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. The review assesses the technical feasibility, environmental, economic, and social benefits of AV systems, as well as the challenges and legal framework surrounding their implementation. Despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food-energy production, significant challenges include high initial investment, technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, and shading effects on production. The paper emphasizes the need for further research and development to overcome these constraints and maximize the potential benefits of AV systems. The introduction highlights the growing concern for soil health and the increasing awareness of the fragility of soil resources, making it necessary to implement efficient production methods. The rapid evolution of PV technology and the growing interest in coexisting agricultural and energy sectors contribute to the interest in AV systems. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments, benefits, and challenges in AV production, offering insights into practical applications and operational challenges. The methodology section details the literature search process, including the use of academic databases and specific keywords. The selection criteria include empirical data, environmental, economic, and social impacts, and policy context. The review identifies 58 articles for detailed analysis, providing a synthesis of current research. The article discusses the current technologies and applications of AV systems, including different types of systems, crop and livestock considerations, and the design of solar panels. It highlights the importance of selecting crops that can adapt to lower light levels and the impact of panel characteristics on efficiency. The review also explores recent innovations such as bifacial panels, tracking systems, and semi-transparent panels, which can improve energy capture and reduce shading effects. The environmental, economic, and social benefits of AV systems are discussed, emphasizing their positive impact on water conservation, temperature moderation, and climate resilience. Economic benefits include income diversification, improved access to electricity, and reduced costs for irrigation and solar panel maintenance. Social benefits include increased food production and improved economic stability for rural communities. The article also addresses the challenges and limitations of AV systems, such as reduced crop yields, technical constraints, and operational issues. It highlights the need for careful planning and management to minimize risks and ensure the sustainability of these systems. In conclusion, while AV systems present significant challenges, they offer promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to sustainable development goals. Further research and development are essential to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximize their potential benefits.This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV), which integrate solar panels with agricultural and livestock activities to optimize land use and generate clean energy. The transition to renewable energy sources, driven by climate change, land use competition, and fossil fuel scarcity, has led to the exploration of new methods to enhance land efficiency. AV systems not only produce energy but also maintain or increase agricultural and livestock yields, offering a sustainable strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. The review assesses the technical feasibility, environmental, economic, and social benefits of AV systems, as well as the challenges and legal framework surrounding their implementation. Despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food-energy production, significant challenges include high initial investment, technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, and shading effects on production. The paper emphasizes the need for further research and development to overcome these constraints and maximize the potential benefits of AV systems. The introduction highlights the growing concern for soil health and the increasing awareness of the fragility of soil resources, making it necessary to implement efficient production methods. The rapid evolution of PV technology and the growing interest in coexisting agricultural and energy sectors contribute to the interest in AV systems. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments, benefits, and challenges in AV production, offering insights into practical applications and operational challenges. The methodology section details the literature search process, including the use of academic databases and specific keywords. The selection criteria include empirical data, environmental, economic, and social impacts, and policy context. The review identifies 58 articles for detailed analysis, providing a synthesis of current research. The article discusses the current technologies and applications of AV systems, including different types of systems, crop and livestock considerations, and the design of solar panels. It highlights the importance of selecting crops that can adapt to lower light levels and the impact of panel characteristics on efficiency. The review also explores recent innovations such as bifacial panels, tracking systems, and semi-transparent panels, which can improve energy capture and reduce shading effects. The environmental, economic, and social benefits of AV systems are discussed, emphasizing their positive impact on water conservation, temperature moderation, and climate resilience. Economic benefits include income diversification, improved access to electricity, and reduced costs for irrigation and solar panel maintenance. Social benefits include increased food production and improved economic stability for rural communities. The article also addresses the challenges and limitations of AV systems, such as reduced crop yields, technical constraints, and operational issues. It highlights the need for careful planning and management to minimize risks and ensure the sustainability of these systems. In conclusion, while AV systems present significant challenges, they offer promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to sustainable development goals. Further research and development are essential to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximize their potential benefits.
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