In recent years, there has been growing interest in the concept of agrivoltaics, which involves the co-location of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and agricultural crops on the same land. This innovative approach not only allows for the generation of clean energy, but also provides a range of benefits for farmers and their produce. In particular, agrivoltaics has been shown to reduce water consumption, increase crop yield, and improve soil health. However, a key question remains: how does agrivoltaics perform in extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves?
France’s Sun’Agri has recently released the results of a test that sheds light on this issue. The company conducted a study in Toulouse between June and August 2020, during a period of particularly hot and dry weather. The test involved the comparison of two experimental plots of sunflowers: one was protected by Sun’Agri’s agrivoltaic installation, which consisted of elevated PV modules supported by metal frames, and the other was a reference area without protection. The two plots were located adjacent to each other, and were subjected to identical weather conditions.
The results were striking. During the hottest part of the day, the temperature in the protected plot was consistently lower than that in the reference plot. The difference ranged from 2.2°C to 5.1°C, depending on the day and time. This is a significant reduction, given that heat stress can damage crops and reduce yield. The study also found that the agrivoltaic installation increased relative humidity for the crops underneath the panels, which is another positive factor in drought conditions. The difference in relative humidity ranged from 2.1% to 7.7%.
These findings are noteworthy for several reasons. First, they show that agrivoltaics can provide a practical solution for farmers who face the challenges of climate change, such as more frequent and severe heat waves. The technology can help to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on crops, and thus contribute to food security. Second, the study confirms previous research that has suggested that agrivoltaics can create a microclimate that is beneficial for crops. The shade provided by the PV panels reduces direct sunlight and radiation, which can be harmful if crops are exposed for long periods. The elevated modules also allow for better air circulation, which can reduce the risk of diseases and pests. Third, the results underline the potential of agrivoltaics to enhance the sustainable development of agriculture. By enabling farmers to produce both food and energy on the same land, agrivoltaics can reduce the pressure on scarce resources, such as water and arable land.
Of course, the Sun’Agri test is not without limitations and questions. For example, the test took place over a single season, and therefore cannot provide data on the long-term effects of agrivoltaics on crop performance. Further research will be needed to assess the durability and reliability of the technology over multiple years and climates. In addition, the sample size of the test was small, consisting of only two plots of sunflowers. More research on other crops, such as vegetables and fruits, and in different regions, would be beneficial in order to determine the generalizability of the results. Finally, the study does not address the economic feasibility of agrivoltaics, which depends on various factors such as the cost of equipment, the price of electricity, and the demand for produce.
Despite these limitations, the Sun’Agri study provides encouraging evidence that agrivoltaics can be a viable and sustainable option for farming in hot and dry conditions. The technology offers a promising solution for climate-smart agriculture, which aims to improve the resilience and productivity of farmers in the face of climate change. As the United Nations has recognized, agriculture is both a victim and a contributor to climate change, and therefore requires innovative approaches that address both challenges. Agrivoltaics can play a key role in this effort by enabling farmers to adapt and mitigate, while also contributing to the transition to low-carbon energy systems. With continued research and development, agrivoltaics can become an increasingly valuable tool for sustainable development.