Influence of PV modules on the incident radiation and the yield of 3 plant varieties

Agrivoltaic (APV) approaches use PV modules mounted at a sufficient height above the ground to allow synergistic use of agricultural production and energy generation. With this approach, the loss of agricultural land can be minimized. The connections between APV systems and the influence on the micro- and local climate and the yield of the underlying crops have not been sufficiently researched until now. First, APV shading reduces incoming solar radiation, which can lead to a reduction in yield. Second, shading however, also reduces evapotranspiration and can therefore prove to be advantageous, especially during dry periods. The presence of PV panels (by analogy with trees) protects plants from excessive heating and lowers the soil temperature, thereby balancing the microclimate.
In the present study, the influence of different APV designs on the microclimate and plant growth was estimated using model simulations.
The effects of different APV designs (e.g. length, width, inclination, row spacing....) on incident solar radiation under the modules were calculated using a method based on image processing of hemispherical "fisheye" photographs. In this way, global radiation above and below the PV modules was calculated for a period of 10 years.
Simulated global radiation and meteorological data were then used to simulate crop growth of 3 varieties (maize, winter wheat and barley). Simulations were performed using the plant growth model DSSAT. In general, some yield reduction was obtained below the PV modules. Yield reduction was strongly correlated with radiation sums. However, some varieties , especially maize, showed an increase in yield in hot, dry years.