Planting alfalfa under photovoltaic panels

In our experimental set-up, the alfalfa biomass increased by an average of 10 % over the two years of the experiment in the shade of the APV plant (between 29 % − 44 %) in comparison to full sunlight (835 g.m −2.year −1), but in a different way depending on the climatic year.

Alfalfa biomass increased by 10% in average in the shade of the Agri-PV system for shading between 29% and 44%. •. Photovoltaic production reduced by 15% due to the optimised tracking for plant growth. •. This combined production allowed an increase in total productivity per unit area (LER) of 51%.

If plants grow under PV panels, the same water can be used and run off on the ground for vegetation irrigation. Soil health improvement/ less dust generation : Covering the soil surface by introducing vegetation prevents the top soil layer from washing off.

In addition, we discuss microclimatic alterations and the resulting impacts of APV on crop production. Our main findings are that (1) crop cultivation underneath APV can lead to declining crop yields as solar radiation is expected to be reduced by about one third underneath the panels.

Agrivoltaics, the practice of producing food in the shade of solar panels, is an innovative strategy that combines the generation of photovoltaic electricity with agricultural land use. The outcome is an optimised relationship between food production, water, and energy – the so-called Food-Energy-Water Nexus, or FEW Nexus.

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6 FAQs about [Planting alfalfa under photovoltaic panels]

Do mobile panels increase alfalfa production?

Conclusions This study shows that over the two years of experimentation the presence of mobile panels allowed an increase in alfalfa production (+10 %) for shading percentage between 29 % − 44 % compared to a full sun situation (835 g.m −2 .year −1 ).

How do plants acclimatise to photovoltaic panels?

Plants can acclimatise to panel-induced shading conditions by increasing their radiation interception efficiency . It has even been shown that a shade-tolerant crop, such as lettuce, grown under photovoltaic panels adapts its morphology (for example by producing larger leaves).

Can corn be grown under agrivoltaic PV panels?

This case study showed that it is possible to grow corn, a typical shade-intolerant crop, under the shade of agrivoltaic PV panels. The biomass of corn stover grown under PV module arrays spaced at 0.71 m intervals was no less than 96.9% that of corn without PV modules.

How do photovoltaic panels affect crops?

The main impact of photovoltaic (PV) panels on crops is their shadow, which reduces the available photosynthetically active radiation needed for photosynthesis. There is a debate about the shade ratio that is acceptable in AV systems.

Why do alfalfa have panels?

The presence of the panels led to a reduction in evapotranspiration and therefore better efficiency of the use of water by the alfalfa due to the thin soil. This was accompanied by a morphological adaptation of the alfalfa to shading, with elongation of the stems and enlargement of the leaflets.

How can APV plants increase electricity yield?

Electricity yield may also be increased by upgrading APV plants with wind turbines to combine wind and solar energy production (Rem Tec 2017b). In addition to technical optimizations, there are various implementation opportunities for APV, depending on the local climatic conditions and the scale of the facility.

Planting alfalfa under photovoltaic panels