Understanding Trends, Influences, Intellectual Structures, and Future Directions in Agrivoltaic Systems Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Agrivoltaic (AV) systems have emerged as a transformative solution to global challenges in food–energy–water security, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends, influences, intellectual structures, and future research directions in AV systems research from 2011 to 2023. Using a bibliometric approach guided by the PRISMA framework, 477 documents from the Scopus database were analyzed through performance analysis and science mapping with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Key findings reveal exponential growth in research output, with the United States, France, and Germany leading in publications, citations, and international collaboration. Eight thematic clusters were identified, including dual productivity of land use, renewable energy integration, policy implications, and climate adaptation. Influential contributors, such as Joshua M. Pearce, and leading journals, including Applied Energy, shape the field. Emerging areas focus on advanced photovoltaic materials and integrated resource management strategies. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing AV systems research by identifying critical trends, proposing innovative solutions, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Despite limitations, such as database dependency, this analysis highlights AV systems’ transformative potential to achieve global sustainability goals.

1. Introduction

Renewable energy sources are crucial due to fossil fuel depletion, their environmental impact, and the growing demand for sustainable energy. This highlights the need for efficient and sustainable energy solutions [1]. Among them, solar energy systems are crucial in meeting the global demand for clean energy, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting sustainability for a cleaner future [2]. Agrivoltaic (AV) systems have emerged as a promising solution combining energy and agricultural productivity. AV systems can optimize land use efficiency while addressing climate change and land competition [3,4,5]. The concept of coexistence between photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion and cultivation, originally termed by Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow in 1981, describes the simultaneous operation of PV panels and farming activities on a single piece of land [6]. In 2011, Dupraz and colleagues introduced the term “agrivoltaic,” emphasizing the integration of solar PV with crops on the same land unit [7]. Since then, researchers worldwide have employed various terms to refer to this concept, such as agrophotovoltaic [8,9,10,11], agriculture photovoltaic [12], photovoltaic agriculture [13,14,15,16], agro-PV [17,18], agri-PV [19,20], agriculture photovoltaics [21], etc. This diverse range of terminologies reflects the growing interest and research in integrating PV and farming practices.

AV systems offer several potential benefits. Firstly, they reduce land competition, minimize evaporation, decrease crop irrigation needs, and enhance energy efficiency [22,23,24]. Secondly, they provide a significant opportunity for improving renewable energy capacity while maintaining agricultural productivity [25]. Furthermore, AV systems’ potential to contribute to socio-economic [26] sustainability has been explored, with case studies demonstrating the potential to double land productivity [27].

Current market trends show a growing interest in AV systems globally, with an estimated 14 GW of electricity produced worldwide. Opportunities include increased land use efficiency and economic benefits [4]. Additionally, the global AV systems market has been significantly growing, with a value of USD 3.7 billion in 2022 and a forecast to reach around USD 11.13 billion by 2032, driven by factors such as increased food production, reduced water usage for farming, and the need to focus on climate change and sustainability [28]. Moreover, AV systems offer industrial opportunities by integrating energy with agriculture, enhancing community acceptance, and requiring supportive regulatory environments for market adoption and growth in the solar industry [29].

However, the adoption of AV systems does face several challenges. One major obstacle is the difficulty in monitoring and implementing plant protection measures beneath PV panels, which can hinder agricultural productivity [4]. Additionally, the shading caused by solar PV panels in current systems can reduce farm production and delay harvest periods, impacting farmers’ income [30]. High initial investment costs, conflicts over land use, and potential environmental impacts are significant weaknesses and threats to the widespread implementation of AV systems [13]. Moreover, relying on unfamiliar and potentially unreliable farming techniques can lead to overwhelming difficulties for farmers, negatively affecting their mental health and overall well-being [31]. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning, the development of flexible pricing strategies, research on potential environmental impacts, and close collaboration among stakeholders [31].

Bibliometric analysis is a widely utilized and robust method for exploring and analyzing vast scientific data [32]. This approach proves invaluable in unraveling and mapping the cumulative knowledge and evolutionary trends within well-established fields by effectively interpreting extensive amounts of unstructured data. Researchers employ bibliometric analysis for various purposes, including investigating the intellectual structure of specific domains within the existing literature [32]. The advent of scientific databases, such as Scopus and Web of Science, has considerably simplified the acquisition of large-scale bibliometric data. Additionally, the availability of user-friendly bibliometric software, such as Gephi, Leximancer, Bibliometrix [33], and VOSviewer [34], has facilitated the practical and efficient analysis of such data. As a result, there has been a significant increase in scholarly interest in bibliometric analysis recently. The bibliometric methodology has been successfully applied in various fields, including business and management research [35], the evolution of green finance [36], and the adoption of green energy [37], and it has been used to identify foundations and themes of artificial intelligence and machine learning in finance [38].

While prior studies have provided critical insights into AV systems, they leave several gaps unaddressed. Chalgynbayeva et al. (2023) conducted a bibliometric analysis of 121 papers, identifying AV systems’ economic and agronomic benefits but highlighting the absence of standardized methodologies and regional biases in existing research [27]. Agyekum et al. (2024) reviewed 155 documents and noted thematic advancements, like shading optimization, but called for expanded field-based studies and better cost analyses [39]. Blanco et al. (2024) developed a bibliometric system for tracking AV systems research but focused predominantly on bibliographic trends without integrating agronomic or technical insights [40]. Haddout et al. (2024) emphasized regional disparities in African photovoltaic agriculture, noting a lack of empirical research tailored to local challenges [41].

This study builds upon and extends these efforts by comprehensively addressing temporal and spatial trends, identifying emerging thematic clusters, and mapping intellectual structures within AV systems research. Unlike previous studies, it synthesizes bibliometric and thematic analysis to explore global and regional trends, assess innovative approaches, and propose solutions to challenges. By focusing on the field’s intellectual evolution and practical barriers, this study aims to provide a roadmap for advancing AV systems research, making it a critical addition to the literature.

This study identifies the most influential authors, sources, and countries contributing to AV systems research and evaluates their impact on advancing the field. Additionally, it highlights the most cited papers, offering valuable insights into foundational knowledge and emerging themes that shape the research landscape. The following research questions guide this study:

What are the temporal trends and publication patterns in agrivoltaic systems research over the past decade (2011–2023)?

How has the geographic distribution of AV systems research evolved, and what spatial trends can be observed?

What are the emerging research areas, thematic clusters, and innovative approaches shaping the field of AV systems?

How do the intellectual structures underpinning AV systems research interconnect, and what insights can be drawn from these connections?

What challenges and barriers to the adoption of AV systems have been identified, and what solutions or future directions have been proposed?

By addressing these questions, this study provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing AV systems research. It sheds light on critical trends, identifies influential contributors, and proposes actionable solutions to accelerate the adoption and effectiveness of AV systems globally. Through a combination of bibliometric and thematic analyses, this research highlights AV systems as a transformative solution to the global challenges of food–energy–water security, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Design

This study employs the PRISMA framework [42] to conduct a bibliometric analysis investigating trends, influences, intellectual structures, and future directions in AV systems. The research analyzes the annual distribution of publications, identifying top influential authors, sources, and emerging themes. By leveraging bibliometric techniques, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the progression and opportunities in AV systems research.

The bibliometric analysis was conducted in two stages: performance analysis and science mapping, following established methodologies. Performance analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny) [33] to compute descriptive metrics such as the yearly distribution of publications, top contributing authors, and sources. Visualizations were created using Microsoft Excel.

Science mapping was performed using VOSviewer software [34] to explore the intellectual structure and thematic clusters within AV systems research. Citation analysis identified the most influential articles and the global collaboration network of leading countries. Additionally, co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence analyses were utilized to reveal knowledge foundations, emerging themes, and research clusters.

Co-Occurrence Analysis and Synonym Merging

To ensure the robustness and clarity of the co-occurrence analysis, the following preprocessing steps were undertaken:

Data Collection. Bibliographic data, including author keywords, were extracted from the Scopus database. Keywords appearing at least five times were included in the analysis to focus on frequently occurring terms and significant thematic trends.

Keyword Cleaning and Synonym Merging. To address redundant terms and synonyms that could fragment the network, a thesaurus file was created to unify keywords representing the same concept. This step significantly enhanced the accuracy and interpretability of the co-occurrence analysis.

Synonymous terms were standardized as follows. Terms such as “agrivoltaic”, “agrivoltaic system”, “agrivoltaics”, “photovoltaic agriculture”, “apv”, “agri-pv”, “agrophotovoltaic”, and “agrophotovoltaics” were consolidated under the term “agrivoltaic systems”.

“Photovoltaic panels”, “photovoltaic systems”, and “pv” were unified as “photovoltaics”.

“Solar energy”, “solar”, and “solar farm” were represented as “solar energy”.

“Crop production” and “crop yield” were merged into “crop productivity”.

“Organic photovoltaics” and “organic solar cells” were standardized to “organic photovoltaics”.

“Sustainability” and “sustainable agriculture” were unified under “sustainability”.

“Greenhouse” and “greenhouses” were merged as “greenhouses”.

The thesaurus file was prepared in CSV format with two columns: Column 1: original terms and Column 2: standardized terms.

This file was uploaded into VOSviewer to preprocess the data and ensure consistent representation of synonymous terms.

Network Construction. The cleaned and standardized data were used to generate a co-occurrence network in VOSviewer. The full counting method was applied, ensuring each keyword occurrence contributed equally to the network structure.

Thematic Cluster Identification. The co-occurrence network was analyzed to identify clusters of keywords based on their co-occurrence relationships. Strongly connected keywords were grouped into thematic clusters reflecting conceptual similarities and research priorities. Dominant keywords were used to label the clusters (e.g., dual productivity, renewable energy integration, climate resilience).

Visualization. The network was visualized as a map of nodes and edges. Nodes represent keywords, with their size proportional to the number of occurrences. Edges represent co-occurrence relationships, with thicker edges indicating stronger associations.

Improved Analysis and Robustness. By merging synonymous terms, the final co-occurrence network reduced redundancy, minimized noise, and enhanced the accuracy of thematic clusters and centrality metrics. This refinement ensured a more robust and interpretable analysis of the intellectual structure underpinning AV systems research.

2.2. Identification

2.2.1. Database Selection

The Scopus database was chosen for this bibliometric analysis due to its comprehensive coverage and recognition as a prestigious scientific repository. The search was conducted on 17 April 2024.

2.2.2. Search Strings

The search used precise keywords to ensure relevance to the study objectives. These keywords included “agrivoltaic”, “agrivoltaics”, “agrophotovoltaic”, “agriphotovoltaic”, “agriculture photovoltaic”, “photovoltaic agriculture”, “agro-PV”, “agri-PV”, “PV agriculture”, “sun’Agri”, “agriculture photovoltaics”, “agricultural photovoltaics”, “dual-use solar”, and “photovoltaic technology in agriculture”. The complete query used was TITLE-ABS-KEY (“agrivoltaic” OR “agrivoltaics” OR “agrophotovoltaic” OR “agriphotovoltaic” OR “agriculture photovoltaic” OR “photovoltaic agriculture” OR “agro-PV” OR “agri-PV” OR “PV agriculture” OR “sun’Agri” OR “agriculture photovoltaics” OR “agricultural photovoltaics” OR “dual-use solar” OR “photovoltaic technology in agriculture”) AND PUBYEAR > 2010 AND PUBYEAR < 2024 AND (LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE, “ar”) OR LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE, “re”) OR LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE, “ch”) OR LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE, “cp”)) AND (LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE, “English”)). Publications were limited to those from 2011 to 2023, focusing on articles, conference papers, reviews, and book chapters published in English.

2.3. Screening and Selection

The initial search retrieved 588 documents. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the results were refined to 477 papers. The inclusion criteria ensured relevance to AV systems and publication in the selected timeframe (2011–2023) while excluding non-research articles such as notes, editorials, and errata.

Table 1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
Focus on AV systems	Non-research-related AV systems
Publications from 2011 to 2023	Publications before 2011 and after 2023
Articles, conference papers, reviews, and book chapters	Conference reviews, notes, editorials, and errata
English language	Non-English publications

summarizes the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

2.4. Inclusion and Reporting

The findings follow the PRISMA framework [42], as depicted in Figure 1. This framework outlines the steps from identification to screening and the final inclusion of studies, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in the review process. Visualizations generated through VOSviewer are incorporated into subsequent sections to illustrate the intellectual structure and thematic trends of the AV systems research field.

This robust methodology ensures the systematic and comprehensive analysis of the AV systems research landscape, providing a solid foundation for identifying knowledge gaps and future research directions.

3. Results

3.1. Temporal Trends in Agrivoltaic Systems Research (2011–2023)

The temporal analysis of research on agrivoltaic (AV) systems from 2011 to 2023 reveals significant growth in scholarly interest and publication activity. Over this period, the field has experienced an exponential increase in the total number of publications (TPs), as shown in the chart (Figure 2).

The first documented research in this area appeared in 2011, with a single publication laying the foundational work in AV systems. The subsequent years (2012–2015) saw minimal activity, with only a few isolated studies (three publications), indicating limited recognition of the field’s potential during this time. From 2016 onward, publications increased steadily, with notable milestones occurring in 2018 (12) and 2019 (16). This growth aligns with rising global interest in sustainable energy solutions and land optimization technologies.

The field experienced a significant surge starting in 2020, with 31 publications, followed by remarkable annual growth in 2021 (88 publications), 2022 (142 publications), and 2023 (172 publications). This exponential increase underscores the maturing of AV systems research as a priority area for addressing global energy and food security challenges. The recent surge also reflects heightened international collaboration, funding, and policy emphasis on integrating renewable energy with agriculture.

The sharp increase in publications post-2020 can be attributed to advancements in photovoltaic technology, growing awareness of climate change, and aligning AV systems with global sustainability goals.

3.2. Spatial Distribution of Research in Agrivoltaic Systems

The spatial distribution of AV systems research exhibits significant regional variation, reflecting differences in research priorities, resources, and policy support across countries. Figure 3 illustrates the global distribution of publications on AV systems, highlighting the country’s leading in research output and those with emerging interest in the field.

The global leader in AV systems research, The United States, with 110 publications, leads AV systems research driven by substantial investments in renewable energy technologies and a strong emphasis on integrating solar energy with agriculture. Research centers and universities in the U.S. have been instrumental in advancing experimental and modeling studies. With 57 publications, China is a significant contributor, with research focusing on the technological optimization of AV systems, especially in areas with high solar energy potential. China’s policy emphasis on renewable energy integration has fostered rapid advancements in this domain. India (43 publications) has emerged as a critical player, driven by its need for sustainable energy solutions and food security. Studies often explore AV systems’ feasibility in diverse climatic conditions, emphasizing dual land-use benefits.

For the regional contributions in Europe, countries such as Germany (37 publications) and France (32 publications) are prominent contributors, reflecting their leadership in renewable energy transitions. European research emphasizes environmental sustainability, policy integration, and AV system design. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan, South Korea, and Australia also demonstrate growing interest, focusing on niche applications like greenhouse systems and advanced photovoltaic technologies. Although emerging regions contribute fewer studies, south American and African countries are increasingly exploring AV systems’ potential to address regional energy and agricultural challenges.

The distribution of research has shifted significantly over the past decade. Early studies were concentrated in developed countries, particularly the U.S. and Europe, which had the resources and technological expertise to pioneer AV systems. More recently, emerging economies, including China, India, and Brazil, have increased their contributions, reflecting a global diversification of research efforts. This trend correlates with a growing awareness of AV systems’ potential to address global challenges, including climate change and food security.

3.3. Emerging Research Areas in Agrivoltaic Systems

The field of AV systems research demonstrates a highly multidisciplinary landscape, with significant contributions from diverse fields, as shown in Figure 4. The energy sector constitutes the largest share of research, accounting for 22% of publications. Studies in this area focus on optimizing PV technologies, renewable energy integration, and scaling AV systems to enhance energy generation. Engineering, contributing 18%, emphasizes system design and structural innovations, including the optimization of AV systems configurations to balance energy production with agricultural productivity. Environmental science, representing 13%, explores the ecological benefits of AV systems, including improved land-use efficiency, water conservation, and carbon reduction, aligning with global sustainability and climate goals. Agricultural and biological sciences (9%) address crop productivity under PV arrays, shading impacts, and farm practice adaptations to ensure AV systems’ dual-use functionality. Physics and astronomy (8%) contribute to advancements in solar radiation modeling and materials development, such as bifacial and semi-transparent solar panels, to enhance energy efficiency. Computer and materials science (6% each) are critical in driving simulation, modeling innovations, and exploring novel solar technologies tailored to agricultural applications.

Emerging research areas reveal a growing focus on sustainability and multidisciplinary approaches, accounting for 1% of contributions. These studies examine how AV systems align with global food–energy–water security goals and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organic and semi-transparent PV technologies are emerging as key areas of exploration, offering potential for greenhouse and agriculture-specific applications. Policy and socio-economic studies are also gaining attention, addressing challenges in energy policy, stakeholder engagement, and the socio-economic impacts of AV systems adoption.

This analysis highlights that while energy, engineering, and environmental sciences dominate the AV landscape, emerging fields such as advanced photovoltaics, multidisciplinary research, and policy-oriented studies are broadening the scope of AV systems research. This diversification underscores the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate the global development and adoption of AV systems technologies.

3.4. Most Influential Authors, Sources, and Countries Contributing to Agrivoltaic Systems Research: An Analysis of Their Impact

3.4.1. Most Influential Authors Contributing to Agrivoltaic Systems Research and Their Impact

This section evaluates the contributions of the most influential authors in AV systems research, focusing on critical bibliometric metrics, including the h-index, g-index, m-index, total citations (TCs), number of publications (NPs), and the starting publication year (PY_start).

Table 2. Authors’ local impact in agrivoltaic systems research.

Author	h-Index	g-Index	m-Index	TCs 1	NPs 2	(PY_Start) 3
Pearce, Joshua M.	10	20	1.111	785	20	2016
Higgins, Chad W.	9	13	1.286	548	13	2018
Högy, Petra	8	9	1.333	715	9	2019
Amaducci, Stefano	6	6	0.857	429	6	2018
Butt, Nauman Zafar	6	8	1.2	151	8	2020
Colauzzi, Michele	6	6	0.857	429	6	2018
Imran, Hassan	6	8	1.2	144	8	2020
Ingenhoff, Jan	6	7	0.75	113	7	2017
Liu, Wen	6	11	0.75	135	12	2017
Li, Ming	6	8	0.75	102	8	2017

¹ Total citations, ² number of Publications, and ³ publication year start.

presents a detailed summary of the authors whose work has significantly advanced research in AV systems.

Joshua M. Pearce stands out as a leading figure in AV systems research, with the highest h-index (10), g-index (20), and total citations (785). His prolific publication record—20 papers since 2016—underscores his sustained contributions to technological advancements and the theoretical underpinnings of AV systems.

Chad W. Higgins also demonstrates considerable influence, with an h-index of 9, a g-index of 13, and 548 citations across 13 publications. Since 2018, his work has primarily focused on experimental evaluations and the practical applications of AV systems, bridging the gap between research and implementation.

Petra Högy is recognized for her significant impact, achieving an h-index of 8 and accumulating 715 citations from nine publications. Her research, initiated in 2019, explores the intersection of AV systems with agricultural productivity and sustainability, emphasizing their role in addressing global food and energy challenges.

Stefano Amaducci and Michele Colauzzi share similar bibliometric profiles, with an h-index of 6 and 429 total citations from six impactful publications since 2018. Their research emphasizes the integration of AV systems into sustainable agricultural practices, offering insights into optimizing land use and energy production. Nauman Zafar Butt and Imran Hassan emerge as dynamic contributors to the field. Both possess an h-index of 6, with Butt showcasing remarkably rapid growth, as evidenced by an m-index of 1.2. Since 2020, their work has highlighted innovative approaches to advancing AV systems research, demonstrating the evolving nature of the field.

Wen Liu and Ming Li have contributed notably to AV system modeling and optimization. With h-index values of 6 and publication records of twelve and eight papers, respectively, their research began in 2017. It focused on adapting AV systems to diverse climatic contexts, offering practical solutions for global applications.

The contributions of these authors highlight the interdisciplinary nature of AV systems research, spanning engineering, environmental science, and agriculture. Joshua M. Pearce’s extensive output and high citation count firmly establish him as a thought leader. Meanwhile, the rapid emergence of researchers, like Butt and Hassan, reflects the dynamic and expanding scope of AV systems research. Notably, many of the most impactful contributions commenced after 2016, aligning with the surge of interest and activity in AV systems during this period.

This analysis underscores AV systems research’s collaborative and evolving landscape, driven by established scholars and emerging contributors dedicated to advancing the field.

3.4.2. Most Influential Sources Contributing to Agrivoltaic Systems Research and Their Impact

The evaluation of influential sources in AV systems research is based on bibliometric metrics such as the h-index, g-index, m-index, TCs, NPs, and PY_start.

Table 3. Sources’ local impact on agrivoltaic systems research.

Source	h-Index	g-Index	m-Index	TCs 1	NPs 2	(PY_Start) 3
Applied Energy	13	23	1.625	1023	23	2017
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews	9	10	1	836	10	2016
Sustainability (Switzerland)	9	17	1.5	323	17	2019
Agronomy	8	15	1.6	253	16	2020
Energies	8	13	1.333	212	22	2019
Renewable Energy	7	12	0.5	536	12	2011
AIP Conference Proceedings	6	8	0.75	115	32	2017
Solar Energy	6	11	0.857	169	11	2018
Conference record of IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference	5	8	0.833	83	22	2019
Journal of Cleaner Production	5	7	1.25	132	7	2021

¹ Total citations, ² number of publications, and ³ publication year start.

presents the top journals and conference proceedings that have significantly advanced the dissemination of knowledge and innovation in AV systems research.

Applied Energy leads the field with an impressive h-index of 13, a g-index of 23, and 1023 citations. Since 2017, this journal has published 23 articles focusing on energy optimization, system design, and sustainability solutions, establishing itself as the most impactful source in AV systems research. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews follows closely, with an h-index of 9 and 836 citations across ten publications. Known for its comprehensive reviews of renewable energy technologies, this journal provides critical insights and foundational knowledge for advancing AV systems. Sustainability (Switzerland) has rapidly emerged as a key player, with an h-index of 9 and 323 total citations from 17 publications since 2019. Its strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental integration reflects the growing interest in incorporating AV systems into broader sustainability frameworks. Its m-index of 1.5 indicates rapid growth and influence in the field.

Agronomy has contributed significantly to the agricultural aspects of AV systems, achieving an h-index of 8 and 253 citations across 16 publications since 2020. Its research primarily focuses on enhancing crop productivity and optimizing land-use efficiency in AV systems. Energies has made notable contributions, publishing 22 articles since 2019 with an h-index of 8 and 212 total citations. The journal emphasizes renewable energy applications and system efficiency, particularly in AV research. Renewable Energy is one of the earliest contributors, beginning its work in 2011. With an h-index of 7 and 536 citations from 12 publications, it reflects the foundational contributions of early studies in the field.

AIP Conference Proceedings leads in terms of publication volume, with 32 papers focusing on technical innovations and advancements in AV technologies. While its overall impact is lower (h-index of 6 and 115 citations), it remains a crucial source for disseminating experimental and technical developments. Solar Energy has contributed significantly, with an h-index of 6 and 169 citations across 11 publications. Its focus on advancements in photovoltaic technology and its integration with agricultural systems aligns with the core themes of AV systems research.

The conference record of IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference has published 22 papers, achieving an h-index of 5. Its contributions center on the technical aspects of photovoltaic systems within the AV domain, offering critical insights into PV advancements. Journal of Cleaner Production has gained influence recently, with an m-index of 1.25 and 132 citations across seven publications since 2021. This journal focuses on the environmental and sustainability benefits of APV systems, emphasizing cleaner production methods.

Applied Energy and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews dominate the AV systems field, combining high citation counts and broad coverage of critical topics. The emergence of journals, like Sustainability and Agronomy, reflects a growing shift toward sustainability and agricultural integration. Conference proceedings, such as AIP Conference Proceedings and IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, are vital in disseminating technical and experimental advancements. This diverse range of sources illustrates the interdisciplinary nature of AV systems research, encompassing engineering, energy, and agriculture.

The dynamic contributions of long-established journals and emerging sources underscore AV systems’ rapid evolution and growing importance in addressing sustainability and energy challenges.

3.4.3. Most Influential Countries Contributing to Agrivoltaic Systems Research and Their Impact

The global landscape of AV systems research reflects substantial contributions from leading countries, driving innovation, collaboration, and practical implementation.

Table 4. Most influential countries in agrivoltaic systems research.

Rank	Country	Total Citations TCs 1	Total Publications TPs 2	Total Link Strength	AV Implementation	Example of Study Implementation
1	United States	2707	110	399	Yes	[43]
2	France	1348	24	484	Yes	[44]
3	Germany	1088	42	196	Yes	[45]
4	China	846	59	142	Yes	[46]
5	Italy	771	36	182	Yes	[47]
6	Netherlands	367	8	118	Yes	[48]
7	Japan	366	23	105	Yes	[49]
8	India	306	32	96	Yes	[50]
9	South Korea	278	23	37	Yes	[51]
10	Australia	212	12	45	Yes	[52]

¹ Total citations and ² total publications.

and Figure 5 provide a detailed overview of the most influential nations based on key bibliometric metrics: TCs, TPs, total link strength, AV system implementation, and examples of studies showcasing practical advancements.

The United States ranks first, with 110 publications and 2707 citations, indicating its significant research output and influence. Its high total link strength (399) underscores strong international collaborations, particularly with European and Asian partners. The U.S. research focuses on technological innovations, experimental field trials, and environmental co-benefits of AV systems. For example, ref. [43] explored the environmental benefits of integrating AV systems with native vegetation under solar infrastructure, showcasing sustainable energy production.

France ranks second in impact despite a smaller publication count (24), with 1348 citations and the highest total link strength (484). This highlights France’s exceptional global research reach and collaborative intensity. French studies emphasize AV applications in sustainable agriculture and dynamic shading systems, as demonstrated by [44], who investigated the effects of shade and deficit irrigation on maize growth.

Germany, with 42 publications and 1088 citations, contributes significantly to the engineering and technological development of AV systems. Its total link strength of 196 reflects active participation in European and international research networks. German research, exemplified by [45], examines environmental impacts and dual productivity in AV systems, focusing on technological optimization.

China emerges as a key player, producing 59 publications and accumulating 846 citations, reflecting its emphasis on scaling AV technologies for regions with high solar potential. The country’s growing total link strength (142) signifies expanding international collaborations. For instance, ref. [46] proposed cost-efficient AV systems using spectral separation to enhance productivity.

Italy contributes 36 publications and 771 citations, with a total link strength of 182. Italian studies, such as [47], highlight AV integration in olive groves, balancing environmental sustainability with agricultural productivity. Italy’s strong collaborations with Europe reinforce its leadership in applying AV systems to address agricultural and energy challenges.

The Netherlands and Japan demonstrate high research impact relative to their publication counts (eight and twenty-three, respectively), with total citations of 367 and 366. Dutch studies, such as [48], focus on AV applications in greenhouse systems, while Japan’s research, exemplified by [49], investigates AV impacts on crop yield and plant conditions.

India and South Korea, with 32 and 23 publications, respectively, are advancing regional applications of AV systems. Indian research, represented by [50], explores AV system modeling and optimization for food–energy production. South Korean studies, like [51], focus on enhancing crop quality and productivity through AV integration in garlic and cabbage cultivation.

Australia, with 12 publications and 212 citations, centers its contributions on addressing AV systems’ role in arid and sub-tropical climates. Research by [52] investigates AV systems’ effectiveness in biomass production under different grazing strategies.

The United States, France, and Germany remain dominant forces, contributing foundational studies, technological advancements, and policy frameworks that guide global AV systems development. Meanwhile, China, India, and other emerging nations are playing an increasing role in regional adaptation and technological scaling, reflecting AV systems’ growing relevance in addressing diverse climatic and socio-economic challenges.

The total link strength, particularly evident for France and the United States, highlights the critical role of international collaboration in AV systems research. These partnerships foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and integrated solutions to address global sustainability challenges.

In summary, the interplay between established leaders and emerging contributors is accelerating the adoption and advancement of AV systems worldwide. This global cooperation ensures AV technologies continue evolving as a cornerstone for addressing the interconnected challenges of water, food, energy, and climate sustainability.

3.5. Most Cited Papers in Agrivoltaic Systems Research (2011–2023)

AV systems research has gained significant attention in recent years, evidenced by the high citation counts of critical studies that address diverse themes within the field. Figure 6 provides a network visualization of the relationships between the most cited papers, highlighting the intellectual structure of the field. The citation analysis reveals that the foundational study by [7], introducing the concept of AV systems and demonstrating improved land productivity through the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), is the most cited paper with 422 citations. This work forms the cornerstone for subsequent studies.

Ref. [53] is the second most cited paper, with 349 citations, quantifying the dual benefits of AV systems for solar energy production and shade-tolerant crops, such as lettuce [54]. With 324 citations, it emphasizes the microclimatic benefits of AV systems, remarkably improved water-use efficiency, and reduced soil evaporation, further showcasing the sustainability advantages of these systems.

Other notable contributions include [8], which reviews the physiological impacts of AV systems on crops, and [55], which explores water savings and stable productivity in maize under shaded conditions. Marrou’s 2013 trilogy of papers delve into microclimatic modeling and the influence of shading on radiation use efficiency, while [56] highlights the cooling benefits of vegetation on photovoltaic panel efficiency.

The network visualization (Figure 6) demonstrates the vital interconnectedness of these highly cited works, clustering into thematic areas such as water efficiency, crop–light interactions, socio-economic impacts, and innovative AV systems designs. Recent studies, such as [29,57], explore dynamic configurations and policy frameworks, reflecting the field’s ongoing evolution.

Table 5. Most cited papers in agrivoltaic systems research and their key insights and thematic focus.

Rank	Paper (Author, Year) (Reference)	TCs 1	Key Insights	Thematic Focus
1	Dupraz (2011) [7]	422	Introduced AV as a concept and demonstrated improved land productivity through the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER).	Foundational research in agrivoltaic
2	Dinesh (2016) [53]	349	Quantified dual benefits of AV for solar energy and shade-tolerant crops, like lettuce.	Productivity under partial shading
3	Barron-Gafford (2019) [54]	324	Highlighted microclimatic benefits of AV, such as water-use efficiency and reduced soil evaporation.	Water efficiency and microclimate impacts
4	Weselek (2019) [8]	254	Reviewed impacts of AV on crop physiology and production; emphasized limited empirical data availability.	Impacts on crop growth and systems overview
5	Amaducci (2018) [55]	235	Modeled maize yields under shade, showing stable productivity with water savings.	Crop-specific productivity and water savings
6	Marrou (2013a) [58]	227	Found that shading does not affect crop radiation use efficiency significantly; focused on lettuce experiments.	Crop–light interactions
7	Marrou (2013b) [59]	221	Microclimate modeling under PV panels, linking thermal and water stress reduction to yield stability.	Microclimatic effects of shading
8	Adeh (2018) [56]	176	Demonstrated increased efficiency of PV panels due to cooling effects from vegetation under the panels.	Panel efficiency and energy yield benefits
9	Ravishankar (2020) [60]	170	Assessed AV for economic and social benefits in smallholder agriculture.	Socio-economic impacts
10	Schindele (2020) [61]	164	Focused on techno-economic analysis and policy recommendations for scaling AV.	Techno-economic and policy considerations
11	Adeh (2019) [62]	160	Explored energy optimization and the role of water and thermal regulation in agrivoltaic systems.	Water and thermal stress management
12	Valle (2017) [63]	150	Evaluated energy production from AV systems compared to traditional setups.	Comparative energy analysis
13	Xue (2017) [64]	149	Investigated performance of bifacial solar panels in AV systems.	Solar panel technology
14	Sekiyama (2019) [65]	137	Reviewed AV adoption trends in Asia and proposed scaling strategies.	Regional adoption and scalability
15	Trommsdorff (2021) [57]	132	Proposed dynamic AV configurations for optimization in diverse climatic zones.	Innovative design approaches
16	Marrou (2013c) [66]	130	Studied crop productivity responses to PV-induced shading in Mediterranean climates.	Regional crop responses
17	Malu (2017) [67]	117	Highlighted rooftop AV for urban farming opportunities.	Urban AV and sustainability
18	Elamri (2018) [68]	112	Integrated hydrological models to assess irrigation efficiency under AV.	Water management under AV
19	Kini (2021) [69]	108	Explored socio-economic benefits of an AV system in off-grid rural areas.	Rural electrification and income generation
20	Pascaris (2021) [29]	106	Discussed socio-political acceptance and policy frameworks for agrivoltaic expansion.	Policy and community acceptance
21	Agostini (2021) [47]	106	Provided a life cycle assessment for innovative tensile-structure AV systems.	Environmental and economic sustainability

¹ Total citations.

shows the most cited papers in AV systems research and their key insights and thematic focus.

This analysis underscores the multidisciplinary nature of AV systems, bridging agriculture, energy, and sustainability science. The insights from these works provide a robust foundation for addressing land-use challenges and advancing AV applications globally.

3.6. Intellectual Structures and Thematic Clusters Underpinning Agrivoltaic Systems Research: Interconnections and Insights

3.6.1. Knowledge Foundations of Agrivoltaic Systems Through Co-Citation Analysis

The co-citation analysis unveils the intellectual foundations of AV systems research by identifying three thematic clusters of highly co-cited references. Figure 7 visually represents the co-citation network, where node size reflects citation frequency, and the width of connecting lines indicates the strength of co-citation relationships. Using a minimum citation threshold of 20, the analysis identified 29 key references, with the most influential ones summarized in

Table 6. Thematic clusters of co-cited references in AV systems research.

Cluster No.	Cited References	TCs 1	Year Published	Total Link Strength	Cluster Themes
1	Combining solar photovoltaic panels and food crops to optimize land use	48	2011	294	Water-use efficiency, land optimization, and dual benefits of AV systems in energy and agricultural productivity.
	The potential of agrivoltaic systems	40	2016	263
	Increasing the total productivity of land by combining mobile photovoltaic panels and food crops	39	2017	247
	Solar sharing for both food and clean energy production: performance of APV systems for shade-intolerant crops	38	2019	226
	Productivity and radiation use efficiency of lettuces grown in the partial shade of photovoltaic panels	33	2013	228
	Remarkable agrivoltaic influence on soil moisture, micrometeorology, and water-use efficiency	25	2018	127
2	Agrivoltaic systems to optimize land use for electric energy production	66	2018	314	Crop-specific responses to shading, radiation use efficiency, and environmental–economic assessments for AV systems.
	Productivity and radiation use efficiency of lettuces grown in the partial shade of photovoltaic panels	36	2013	117
	Innovative agrivoltaic systems to produce sustainable energy: an economic and environmental assessment	33	2021	177
	Microclimate under agrivoltaic systems: is crop growth rate affected in the partial shade of solar panels?	26	2013	97
	Solar sharing for both food and clean energy production: performance of APV systems for shade-intolerant crops	26	2019	65
	The potential of agrivoltaic systems	32	2016	102
3	Agrivoltaic systems to optimize land use for electric energy production	32	2018	55	System design and assessment, including landscape vision, policy implications, and environmental sustainability of AV.
	Remarkable agrivoltaic influence on soil moisture, micrometeorology, and water-use efficiency	28	2018	135
	Agrivoltaic systems design and assessment: a critical review and descriptive model for sustainable landscapes (3D patterns)	23	2021	103
	Productivity and radiation use efficiency of lettuces grown in the partial shade of photovoltaic panels	22	2013	41

¹ Total citations.

.

Cluster 1: Water-Use Efficiency and Land Optimization. This cluster highlights the dual benefits of AV systems, particularly their ability to enhance water-use efficiency and optimize land productivity. Foundational studies, such as [7,53], demonstrate significant LER and water conservation improvements. These works establish AV systems as viable, sustainable solutions to address the intertwined challenges of energy production and agricultural demands.

Cluster 2: Crop-Specific Responses and Environmental Assessments. This cluster focuses on the responses of specific crops to shading and the environmental and economic trade-offs of AV systems. Studies like [59,64] examine the balance between energy generation and crop productivity. These insights are essential for refining system configurations and maximizing their overall benefits.

Cluster 3: System design and sustainability. The third cluster addresses the design and policy dimensions of AV systems. Research such as [54,57] explores innovative scalability, policy alignment, and sustainable implementation frameworks. These studies emphasize the role of design and policy in advancing the practical application of AV systems.

3.6.2. Thematic Clusters of Agrivoltaic Systems Through Bibliographic Coupling

Bibliographic coupling was employed to identify thematic priorities in AV systems research. This analytical method groups documents based on shared references in their bibliographies, providing insights into their intellectual roots and thematic focus. By applying a minimum citation threshold of 30, 61 highly cited documents were identified and categorized into six clusters (Figure 8). These clusters highlight key research directions and interconnections within the AV systems field.

Cluster 1: Policy and socio-economic dimensions. This cluster includes studies, such as those by [8,47,57,61], focusing on AV systems’ policy and socio-economic impacts. These works emphasize the importance of developing policy frameworks, conducting economic feasibility studies, and fostering community acceptance to facilitate the widespread adoption of AV technologies. The cluster highlights the role of governance and societal factors in advancing AV systems.

Cluster 2: Foundational research and experimental evaluations comprise foundational studies, including seminal works by [7,53]. These studies established the theoretical and empirical basis of AV systems, addressing key themes such as LER, the effects of shading on crops, and the synergies between energy generation and agricultural productivity. These foundational studies have significantly influenced subsequent research and system design in the field.

Cluster 3: Environmental sustainability and modeling. This cluster focuses on the environmental benefits and modeling of AV systems. Studies like [63,70] explore water-use efficiency, resource optimization, and the ecological advantages of AV systems. These works underscore the potential of AV technologies to enhance environmental sustainability while improving agricultural resilience.

Cluster 4: Microclimatic impacts and technological innovations. Research in this cluster examines the effects of microclimatic variations and technological advancements in AV systems. Critical contributions by [54,55] provide insights into system performance under varying microclimatic conditions and propose innovative design solutions to improve system productivity. This cluster bridges the gap between scientific understanding and practical application.

Cluster 5: Niche applications and case studies focus on localized case studies, with notable contributions from [71,72]. These studies explore the challenges and benefits of implementing AV systems in different regions and agricultural contexts. The cluster highlights the adaptability of AV technologies to diverse environments and farming practices.

Cluster 6: Energy efficiency and crop performance. The final cluster investigates strategies for optimizing AV systems’ energy efficiency and crop performance. Critical studies by [62,73] delve into the dual productivity of energy generation and agricultural output. These works emphasize the need for innovative approaches to maximize system efficiency and enhance crop responses to shading.

Table 7. Thematic clusters of bibliographically coupled references in agrivoltaic systems research.

Cluster No.	Most Cited Documents [Reference]	TCs 1	Total Link Strength	Cluster Themes
1	Weselek (2019) [8]	254	371	Policy frameworks, socio-economic impacts, and the economic feasibility of AV systems.
	Schindele (2020) [61]	164	264
	Trommsdorff (2021) [57]	132	251
	Agostini (2021) [47]	106	167
	Pascaris (2021) [29]	106	209
2	Dupraz (2011) [7]	422	59	Foundational research, experimental evaluations, LER, and energy–agriculture synergies.
	Dinesh (2016) [53]	349	213
	Marrou (2013a) [58]	227	58
	Adeh (2018) [56]	176	155
	Sekiyama (2019) [65]	137	194
3	Ravishankar (2020) [60]	170	74	Environmental sustainability, water-use efficiency, and modeling approaches for performance assessment.
	Valle (2017) [63]	150	192
	Xue (2017) [64]	149	82
	Toledo (2021) [70]	87	451
	Gorjian (2022) [74]	70	338
4	Barron-Gafford (2019) [54]	324	257	Microclimatic impacts, technological advancements, and system innovation.
	Amaducci (2018) [55]	235	201
	Huang (2020) [75]	36	96
	Andrew (2021) [76]	35	131
5	Gao (2019) [71]	55	1	Niche applications, localized benefits, and region-specific case studies.
	Katsikogiannis (2022) [72]	38	197
	Zhao (2021) [77]	33	1
6	Adeh (2019) [62]	160	162	Energy efficiency, crop shading responses, and optimizing dual productivity of AV systems.
	Wu (2022) [73]	33	93

¹ Total citations.

provides a detailed summary of the most cited documents within each cluster, showcasing their thematic focus and contributions to the field. Together, these clusters reflect the interdisciplinary nature of AV systems research, spanning policy, foundational studies, environmental modeling, microclimatic impacts, niche applications, and energy–crop synergies.

This thematic analysis highlights AV systems research’s diverse priorities and intellectual foundations, offering a roadmap for future studies to build on these established clusters and address emerging challenges in the field.

3.6.3. Thematic Trends of Agrivoltaic Systems Through Co-Occurrence Analysis

The thematic trends in AV systems research were analyzed using co-occurrence analysis, which explores relationships between frequently occurring author keywords. By employing VOSviewer, 29 keywords that appeared at least five times were identified and grouped into eight thematic clusters based on their conceptual associations (Figure 9). These clusters reflect the primary research priorities, interconnected themes, and the intellectual structure driving AV systems research. A detailed explanation of each cluster is provided below, and a summary is presented in

Table 8. Thematic clusters identified through co-occurrence analysis.

Cluster No.	Keywords	Themes
1	Agrivoltaic systems, photovoltaics, crop productivity, shading, microclimate, land productivity, bifacial, lettuce	Dual productivity in energy generation and agriculture.
2	Agriculture, farming, solar energy, energy policy	Socio-political dimensions and policy implications for AV systems.
3	Renewable energy, optimization, simulation, machine learning	Renewable energy integration and technological advancements.
4	Greenhouses, organic photovoltaics, photosynthesis, semitransparent solar cells	Controlled agricultural environments and sustainability.
5	Climate change, dual land use, sustainability	Climate change mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices.
6	Food–energy–water nexus, energy transition, land use	Systems-based approaches to resource efficiency and sustainability.
7	Energy	Energy integration and renewable energy development.
8	Photosynthetically active radiation	Impacts on light management and crop productivity.

.

Cluster 1: Agrivoltaics and Dual Productivity (Nine Items). This cluster encapsulates the dual productivity of AV systems, emphasizing their role in both energy generation and agricultural output. Dominant keywords include “agrivoltaic systems”, “photovoltaics”, “crop productivity”, “shading”, “microclimate”, and “land productivity”. These terms collectively highlight research efforts to optimize land usage for the synergistic production of food and renewable energy. Studies in this cluster focus on overcoming challenges, such as shading effects on crops and enhancing the overall efficiency of AV systems for integrated resource management.

Cluster 2: Agriculture and Policy Implications (Four Items). This cluster highlights the socio-political and practical dimensions of AV systems adoption. Keywords like “agriculture”, “farming”, “solar energy”, and “energy policy” reflect research aimed at identifying barriers to large-scale implementation and proposing supportive policy frameworks. These studies underscore the role of stakeholder engagement, energy regulations, and agricultural policy in fostering the adoption of AV technologies.

Cluster 3: Renewable Energy Integration and Technological Advancements (Four Items). Focusing on the integration of AV systems into renewable energy frameworks, this cluster features keywords such as “renewable energy”, “optimization”, “simulation”, and “machine learning”. Research in this area explores advancements in simulation models, system optimization, and predictive tools aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reliability. Technological innovations highlighted in this cluster contribute significantly to the scalability and performance of AV systems.

Cluster 4: Controlled Environments and Sustainability (Four Items). This cluster examines the role of AV systems in controlled agricultural environments and their contribution to sustainability. Keywords such as “greenhouses”, “organic photovoltaics”, “photosynthesis”, and “semitransparent solar cells” highlight the versatility of AV technologies in greenhouse systems. These studies focus on improving crop yields, enhancing light management, and minimizing the environmental footprint through sustainable practices.

Cluster 5: Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture (Three Items). This cluster underscores the role of AV systems in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Keywords like “climate change”, “dual land use”, and “sustainability” emphasize research aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate variability, improving land use efficiency, and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems. The studies in this cluster align AV systems with broader global sustainability goals.

Cluster 6: Food–Energy–Water Nexus (Three Items). This cluster highlights the systems-based approach of AV research, focusing on the interconnected challenges of sustainability across the food, energy, and water sectors. Keywords including “food-energy-water nexus”, “energy transition”, and “land use” emphasize the importance of resource efficiency and integrated solutions to address global sustainability challenges.

Cluster 7: Energy Integration (One Item). Represented by the keyword “energy”, this cluster focuses on the integration of AV systems within broader energy frameworks. It underscores the role of AV technologies in enhancing energy security and supporting the transition toward renewable energy solutions.

Cluster 8: Photosynthetically Active Radiation (One Item). This cluster, represented by “photosynthetically active radiation”, investigates the impacts of AV systems on light distribution and crop growth. Research in this area focuses on understanding how AV systems influence photosynthetic activity and optimizing light management to improve agricultural productivity.

The thematic clusters identified through co-occurrence analysis provide a comprehensive perspective on the intellectual structure of AV systems research. By addressing challenges across energy, agriculture, and sustainability, these clusters highlight the growing significance of AV systems in achieving global climate and food security goals.

3.7. Challenges and Barriers to Adoption in Agrivoltaic Systems

The analysis of the 21 highly cited papers reveals numerous challenges and obstacles to adopting AV systems.

Table 9. Challenges and barriers to adoption in agrivoltaic systems and proposed solutions.

Challenge/Barrier	Source	Proposed Solutions or Future Research Directions	Source
High initial capital costs for agrivoltaic system installation	[7,54,57,61]	Implement government subsidies and policy incentives to reduce CAPEX costs; develop cost-effective PV systems tailored for agrivoltaic applications.	[53,55,57]
Shading effects on crop growth and yield variability	[56,58,59,63]	Design adjustable or semi-transparent PV panels to optimize light conditions for diverse crops; conduct longitudinal studies on crop-specific responses to shading.	[7,57,66]
Limited empirical data for diverse crops, climates, and geographic conditions	[8,57,62]	Expand field studies to test agrivoltaics in diverse climatic zones and across various crops, including shade-tolerant and intolerant species.	[8,56,68]
Operational complexity and compatibility with traditional farming machinery	[7,61,64]	Develop modular PV systems or elevated structures to accommodate farm equipment; promote lightweight and mobile PV panel designs to reduce interference.	[53,55,64]
Limited water management data and potential water runoff under solar arrays	[7,54,68]	Integrate hydrological models to optimize water-use efficiency; test irrigation systems tailored for microclimates under agrivoltaic arrays.	[54,56,68]
Socio-political resistance to agrivoltaic adoption and lack of zoning laws	[29,61,69]	Promote community engagement and participatory planning to build local acceptance; update zoning laws to classify agrivoltaics as a dual-use land model.	[29,57,69]
Limited scalability and financial sustainability without subsidies	[8,61,65]	Implement net-metering schemes for agrivoltaics; investigate life cycle assessments to demonstrate long-term cost-effectiveness and sustainability.	[29,55,69]
Lack of technical standards for agrivoltaic system design	[7,8,61]	Develop standardized frameworks and guidelines for the design and scalability of agrivoltaic systems tailored to diverse agricultural practices and environmental conditions.	[7,8,65]
The soiling of panels reduces energy generation efficiency due to agricultural activity	[56,64,68]	Implement self-cleaning PV panels; design dual-purpose irrigation systems that serve as cleaning mechanisms for the panels.	[57,64,68]
Climate-specific challenges, such as reduced efficiency in cold or arid conditions	[55,56,57]	Develop regional adaptations of agrivoltaic systems optimized for different climates; test bifacial or dynamic PV panels to improve energy generation in extreme conditions.	[7,55,57]

summarizes the key challenges identified in the literature alongside the proposed solutions and future research directions.

Economic challenges, such as high initial installation costs, are widely reported and recognized as a critical barrier to adoption [7,57,61]. Shading effects on crop productivity, variability in crop responses, and operational complexities with traditional farming machinery impede scalability [56,58,64]. Moreover, the lack of empirical data for diverse crops and climatic conditions limits the applicability of agrivoltaic systems globally [8,56].

Water management challenges, such as uneven soil moisture and runoff under solar panels, present additional barriers [54,68]. Socio-political factors, including insufficient policy frameworks, zoning restrictions, and community resistance, hinder large-scale implementation [29,69]. These challenges emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions that address technical, economic, and social aspects of agrivoltaics.

4. Discussion

4.1. Temporal, Spatial Distribution, and Emerging Research Area Trends in Agrivoltaic Systems Research (2011–2023)

The temporal analysis of AV systems research reveals a remarkable growth trajectory over the past decade. Research activity in this field began modestly, with a single publication in 2011, and it remained limited until 2016, reflecting the early stage of AV systems’ recognition as a solution to the food–energy–water nexus. However, from 2016 onward, the field experienced steady growth, culminating in significant milestones in 2018 and 2019, when annual publications increased to 12 and 16, respectively. This period marked the beginning of heightened global interest in renewable energy technologies and land-use optimization strategies.

The post-2020 era represents a pivotal turning point for AV systems research. The number of publications rose sharply, with 31 in 2020, 88 in 2021, 142 in 2022, and 172 in 2023. This exponential growth coincides with advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technologies, increased awareness of climate change, and the alignment of AV systems with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of resilient, multifunctional land-use systems, potentially catalyzing the surge in research activity during this period. These trends demonstrate the maturation of AV systems research as a high-priority field addressing critical global challenges.

Spatial analysis of AV systems research reveals significant disparities in regional contributions and collaborations. The United States leads globally, with 110 publications and 2707 citations, driven by substantial investments in renewable energy and the involvement of leading research institutions. France and Germany also play prominent roles, emphasizing policy integration, sustainability, and system optimization.

Emerging economies, such as China and India, are rapidly increasing their contributions. With 59 and 32 publications, respectively, their research reflects efforts to address national energy security and food production challenges. European countries, like the Netherlands, focus on policy-driven innovations and energy transitions. Japan, South Korea, and Australia are exploring niche applications, such as PV-integrated greenhouses and advanced materials for photovoltaics.

Notably, emerging regions, including parts of South America and Africa, are beginning to explore AV systems’ potential for addressing energy access and food security challenges. Over time, the geographical distribution of research has shifted, with an increasing contribution from developing economies. This diversification aligns with global sustainability efforts and reflects the growing recognition of AV systems’ potential in resource-constrained settings.

The interdisciplinary nature of AV systems research is evident in its diverse disciplinary contributions. The energy sector leads the field, accounting for 22% of publications, focusing on PV technology optimization and renewable energy integration with agriculture. Engineering studies (18%) prioritize innovative system designs, such as modular and adaptive configurations, to maximize energy and agricultural output.

Environmental science (13%) explores ecological benefits, including improved land-use efficiency, water conservation, and reductions in carbon emissions. Agricultural and biological sciences (9%) focus on crop productivity and shading effects under PV arrays, while physics and astronomy (8%) contribute to advancements in solar radiation modeling and materials, such as semi-transparent and bifacial solar panels.

Emerging research fields include organic photovoltaics and policy-oriented studies, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, energy policy, and socio-economic impacts. Sustainability science, accounting for 1% of publications, aligns AV systems research with the United Nations SDGs, focusing on addressing interconnected food–energy–water challenges. Additionally, advanced PV materials and simulation tools are gaining attention for their potential to improve system efficiency and adaptability in diverse agricultural contexts.

This analysis highlights the dynamic growth of AV systems research, characterized by its global and interdisciplinary scope. Temporal trends reveal an exponential increase in publications, reflecting the field’s maturation and alignment with urgent sustainability goals. Spatial analysis underscores the contributions of both developed and emerging economies, demonstrating the increasing global recognition of AV systems as a solution to pressing energy and agricultural challenges.

The diversification of research areas, particularly in advanced PV technologies, policy integration, and sustainability science, reflects the evolving priorities of the AV research community. These findings provide a robust foundation for future work, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and innovation.

This discussion underscores the transformative potential of AV systems in achieving sustainable energy and agricultural development. By addressing global food–energy–water challenges, the field offers a powerful approach to building resilience and advancing sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

4.2. Most Influential Authors, Sources, and Countries Contributing to Agrivoltaic Systems Research and Their Impact

The analysis of influential authors in AV systems research underscores the contributions of critical researchers driving the field forward. Metrics such as h-index, g-index, m-index, total citations (TCs), and publication count (NPs) reveal the pivotal role of specific individuals. Among them, Joshua M. Pearce emerges as a leading figure, with an h-index of 10, a g-index of 20, and 785 citations across 20 publications since 2016. His work has significantly shaped technological advancements and theoretical frameworks in AV systems. Similarly, Chad W. Higgins (h-index: 9; citations: 548) has focused on experimental evaluations of AV systems, while Petra Högy (h-index: 8; citations: 715) has contributed to integrating AV systems into sustainable agricultural practices.

Emerging researchers, such as Nauman Zafar Butt and Imran Hassan, exhibit rapid growth in influence, demonstrated by their m-indices of 1.2. Their contributions emphasize system modeling and regional adaptations of AV technologies. These findings illustrate a dynamic and expanding research community, with impactful contributions primarily emerging after 2016, aligning with the increased relevance of AV systems globally.

The diversity of authors reflects the multidisciplinary nature of AV research, spanning engineering, environmental science, and agriculture. Established leaders provide foundational insights, while emerging researchers bring fresh perspectives, indicating a healthy field evolution.

Key journals and conference proceedings have been instrumental in disseminating AV research findings. Applied Energy is the most influential source, with an h-index of 13, a g-index of 23, and 1023 citations from 23 publications since 2017. Its focus on energy optimization and sustainability solutions positions it as a cornerstone in AV research.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews and Sustainability (Switzerland) rank second and third in influence. They emphasize comprehensive reviews of renewable energy technologies and the integration of AV systems into environmental and sustainability frameworks. Emerging journals, like Agronomy and Energies, reflect shifting priorities toward agricultural productivity and energy efficiency. Conference proceedings, including AIP Conference Proceedings and IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, are critical in showcasing technical and experimental advancements.

The growing influence of newer sources, particularly those focusing on sustainability and agricultural integration, highlights evolving research priorities. Established journals continue to offer foundational knowledge, ensuring interdisciplinary progress.

Spatial analysis highlights the contributions of leading countries in AV systems research. The United States leads research output with 110 publications and 2707 citations, focusing on technological innovation, policy frameworks, and experimental applications. With 24 publications and 1348 citations, France demonstrates a significant international influence, boasting the highest total link strength (484), which is indicative of its solid global collaborations. Germany substantially contributes to engineering and technological advancements, with 1088 citations and a link strength of 196.

Emerging economies, like China and India, are becoming key players, with 59 and 32 publications, respectively. These countries focus on scaling AV systems and adapting them to diverse climatic conditions. Other contributors, such as the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, are recognized for niche applications and regional innovations. The robust collaboration networks of countries, like France and the United States, highlight the importance of international partnerships in advancing the field.

This analysis reveals a dynamic and interdisciplinary research ecosystem in AV systems. Established contributors, such as Pearce, Higgins, and Högy, provide a robust foundation for advancing the field, while emerging researchers, like Butt and Hassan, demonstrate the evolving nature of AV research. Similarly, journals like Applied Energy and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews lead in disseminating high-impact work, with newer sources reflecting the field’s shift toward sustainability and agricultural integration.

Spatial trends underscore the critical role of leading countries, such as the United States, France, and Germany, while emerging economies, like China and India, bring regional adaptations to the forefront. However, the disparity in research output and collaboration networks suggests the need for greater inclusivity, particularly from underrepresented regions. Strengthening global partnerships and fostering collaboration across disciplines will be essential to addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of energy, agriculture, and sustainability.

4.3. Most Cited Papers in Agrivoltaic Systems Research

The analysis of highly cited papers in AV systems research provides critical insights into the intellectual structure of the field, revealing foundational studies and thematic trends. The most cited work, ref. [7], with 422 citations, introduced the concept of AV systems and demonstrated their potential for improved land productivity through the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER). This study is the cornerstone for subsequent research and establishes a framework for integrating solar energy production with agriculture.

Ref. [53] is the second most cited paper with 349 citations. It quantified the dual benefits of APV systems for solar energy generation and shade-tolerant crops, like lettuce, emphasizing the practical applications of partial shading for enhanced productivity. Similarly, ref. [54], with 324 citations, focused on microclimatic benefits, such as improved water-use efficiency and reduced soil evaporation, underscoring the sustainability advantages of APV systems in arid regions.

Other notable contributions include [8], who reviewed the physiological impacts of shading on crops, and [55], who explored water savings and stable productivity in maize under shaded conditions. Marrou’s 2013 trilogy of studies provided critical insights into microclimatic modeling and crop–light interactions, emphasizing the adaptability of crops, like lettuce, to APV systems.

The network visualization (Figure 6) highlights thematic clusters within the most cited studies, illustrating the interconnectedness of water efficiency, socio-economic impacts, crop–light interactions, and innovative system designs. For instance, ref. [57] proposed dynamic agrivoltaic configurations tailored to diverse climates, while [29] focused on policy frameworks and community acceptance to expand APV systems.

Recent studies, such as [69] and [47], emphasize the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of AV systems, extending their applicability to off-grid rural areas and life cycle assessments of tensile structures. These emerging themes reflect the ongoing evolution of the field, driven by advancements in photovoltaic technology, water management strategies, and socio-political frameworks.

This analysis underscores the multidisciplinary nature of AV systems, bridging agriculture, energy, and sustainability science. The highly cited papers collectively form a robust foundation for addressing land-use challenges, improving resource efficiency, and scaling AV applications globally. Future research must continue to build on these insights, exploring innovative designs, policy integration, and regional adaptations to maximize the impact of AV systems.

4.4. Intellectual Structures and Thematic Clusters in Agrivoltaic Systems Research

The co-occurrence analysis identified eight key thematic clusters, offering insights into the intellectual structure and evolving priorities in AV systems research. These clusters, further supported by co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling, provide a deeper understanding of the field’s foundational studies, thematic trends, and emerging areas. A summary of the clusters, their key insights, and practical implications is presented in

Table 10. Thematic clusters in agrivoltaic systems research.

No.	Cluster	Key Insights	Practical Implications
1	AV and Dual Productivity	Highlights the dual role of AV systems in enhancing land productivity and addressing shading challenges while balancing energy generation and agricultural yields.	Provides sustainable solutions for regions with limited land resources, addressing food–energy trade-offs effectively.
2	Agriculture and Policy Implications	Explores the socio-political dimensions of AV systems, emphasizing adoption barriers through policies, incentives, and stakeholder engagement.	Enables the large-scale adoption of AV systems by fostering participatory planning, financial incentives, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration.
3	Renewable Energy Integration and Technological Advancements	Focuses on technological innovation in AV systems, emphasizing renewable energy, optimization, simulation, and machine learning.	Enhances system efficiency and scalability under diverse environmental conditions, contributing to renewable energy transitions globally.
4	Controlled Environments and Sustainability	Investigates AV systems’ applications in controlled environments, like greenhouses, focusing on light management, crop growth, and reduced resource use.	Promotes sustainable agricultural practices in controlled environments, reducing resource use while enhancing crop productivity.
5	Climate Change and Sustainable Land Use	Examines AV systems’ potential to mitigate climate change impacts, improve land use efficiency, and enhance agricultural resilience.	Provides adaptable systems for regions prone to climate variability, supporting sustainable agriculture and resilience strategies.
6	Food–Energy–Water Nexus	Adopts a systems-based approach to address interconnected challenges in food, energy, and water management.	Offers integrated resource management solutions to enhance sustainability across multiple sectors, promoting holistic strategies for resilience.
7	Energy Integration	Highlights AV systems’ contribution to enhancing energy security and supporting the global shift toward renewable energy.	Strengthens energy security by integrating AV systems with renewable energy solutions, supporting global energy transitions.
8	Photosynthetically Active Radiation	Focuses on optimizing light distribution for agricultural productivity, addressing the balance between energy generation and crop growth.	Enhances agricultural productivity by improving light availability for photosynthesis, particularly under AV systems with shading effects.

.

Cluster 1: AV and Dual Productivity. This cluster emphasizes the dual benefits of AV systems in balancing energy generation and agricultural yields while optimizing land productivity. Keywords such as “agrivoltaic systems”, “photovoltaics”, and “crop productivity” underscore research priorities focused on enhancing energy–agriculture synergies.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Foundational studies, such as [8] and [63], demonstrate the importance of designing AV systems to achieve dual productivity while addressing challenges, like shading and land-use efficiency. AV systems provide innovative solutions for land-scarce regions, enabling simultaneous food production and energy generation. These systems address the global challenge of resource scarcity by enhancing resource use efficiency.

Cluster 2: Agriculture and Policy Implications. This cluster explores the socio-political dimensions of AV systems adoption. Keywords such as “agriculture”, “energy policy”, and “farming” emphasize the need for supportive policies, incentives, and stakeholder engagement to overcome adoption barriers.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Influential works, like [23] and [45], stress the role of participatory policies and financial incentives in accelerating AV adoption, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and awareness. Developing participatory policies and financial incentives can accelerate the large-scale implementation of AV systems, fostering stakeholder collaboration and policy support.

Cluster 3: Renewable Energy Integration and Technological Advancements. This cluster focuses on technological innovations such as renewable energy, optimization, simulation, and machine learning. These advancements aim to improve the scalability and adaptability of AV systems in diverse environmental contexts.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Studies like [34] and [72] highlight the role of machine learning and predictive models in optimizing energy output and agricultural productivity under AV systems. Advancements in energy-efficient tools and optimization models support the global transition to renewable energy while ensuring that AV systems can adapt to varying agricultural and environmental needs.

Cluster 4: Controlled Environments and Sustainability. This cluster investigates the application of AV systems in controlled agricultural environments, like greenhouses. Keywords such as “greenhouses”, “organic photovoltaics”, and “photosynthesis” reflect efforts to optimize light management and reduce resource use.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Influential studies, like [41] and [52], provide insights into optimizing light availability for crop growth and reducing water consumption in controlled environments. AV systems in controlled environments can improve crop growth, reduce water and energy consumption, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Cluster 5: Climate Change and Sustainable Land Use. This cluster addresses the role of AV systems in mitigating climate change impacts and promoting sustainable land use. Keywords such as “climate change”, “dual land use”, and “sustainability” reflect the focus on enhancing agricultural resilience and land efficiency.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Studies such as [11] and [28] explore the potential of AV systems to improve resilience to climate variability, enhance carbon sequestration, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. AV systems offer adaptive solutions for regions prone to climate variability, supporting sustainable agriculture while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing resource use.

Cluster 6: Food–Energy–Water Nexus. This cluster adopts a systems-based perspective to tackle interconnected challenges in food, energy, and water management. Keywords such as “food-energy-water nexus”, “energy transition”, and “land use” demonstrate AV systems’ capacity to provide integrated sustainability solutions.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Foundational works, like [15] and [59], highlight the integration of AV systems into food–energy–water management strategies to address resource interdependencies effectively. AV systems promote holistic strategies for resource management, ensuring balanced and efficient use across multiple sectors to meet sustainability goals.

Cluster 7: Energy Integration. Represented by the term “energy”, this cluster highlights AV systems’ contribution to enhancing energy security and supporting global renewable energy transitions.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Studies like [20] emphasize the potential of AV systems to strengthen energy security while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. AV systems strengthen energy security by integrating renewable energy solutions into agricultural practices, fostering large-scale energy transitions.

Cluster 8: Photosynthetically Active Radiation. This cluster focuses on optimizing light availability for agricultural productivity under AV systems. Keywords such as “photosynthetically active radiation” address the balance between shading effects and crop growth.

Co-Citation and Bibliographic Coupling Insights. Influential works, like [36], explore strategies to maximize light distribution for photosynthesis while maintaining energy output. Improving light distribution enhances photosynthesis and crop yields, particularly in regions where shading from photovoltaic panels could otherwise hinder agricultural productivity.

The integration of co-occurrence analysis with co-citation and bibliographic coupling highlights the intellectual foundation and evolving priorities of AV systems research. These eight thematic clusters (see Table 10) provide a roadmap for addressing global sustainability challenges, from energy transitions and food security to climate adaptation and resource management. By connecting foundational studies with emerging trends, this analysis underscores the transformative potential of AV systems in optimizing resource use and enhancing resilience across multiple sectors.

4.5. Addressing Challenges and Advancing Agrivoltaic Adoption

The comparative analysis presented in Table 9 illustrates the diverse challenges facing adopting AV systems, including technical, economic, and socio-political barriers. The high capital costs are among the most pressing issues, significantly limiting scalability. Addressing this requires coordinated efforts, such as policy incentives, subsidies, and developing cost-effective systems, as [53,57] proposed. Shading impacts, another critical issue, require further innovation in PV panel designs, including semi-transparent and adjustable systems.

The limited availability of empirical data underscores the need for multi-year, multi-crop studies to validate the performance of AV systems under different environmental and agricultural conditions [8,56]. Similarly, operational challenges in integrating AV with existing farming practices demand technological advances, such as modular or mobile PV panel systems [55,64].

Water management challenges and socio-political resistance also require targeted interventions. For example, integrating hydrological models and irrigation systems under PV panels can improve water-use efficiency, particularly in arid regions [54,68]. At the same time, promoting community engagement and revising zoning laws can help overcome socio-political barriers and encourage broader acceptance of AV systems [29,69].

The results suggest that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to overcome these challenges and advance the adoption of AV systems as a dual-use system for sustainable food and energy production. Through continued innovation and expanded field studies, the potential of AV systems can be fully realized, addressing critical land-use and climate challenges globally.

4.6. Future Directions for Agrivoltaic Systems Research

The future of AV systems research is poised to address global energy, agriculture, and sustainability challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation. Building on the current trends and key contributions identified in this review, several critical areas emerge as priorities for future exploration.

1. Technological Advancements

Advancements in PV technologies remain a critical priority. Future research should focus on developing high-efficiency, semi-transparent, and bifacial PV panels tailored to agricultural applications. Innovations in organic photovoltaics and lightweight materials will also expand the adaptability of AV systems to diverse farming contexts, including greenhouses and urban agriculture. Another promising direction is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning for system optimization and real-time monitoring.

2. Sustainable System Design

AV system designs must evolve to balance energy generation and agricultural productivity under varying climatic and geographical conditions. Research should explore modular and adaptive configurations that can be customized for different crops and environments. Incorporating dual-use land strategies to optimize LER and maximize benefits for both energy and agriculture remains a key focus.

3. Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Given the pressing challenges of climate change, AV systems must be studied for their ability to improve agricultural resilience to extreme weather conditions. Research on shading effects, microclimatic modifications, and water-use efficiency will be critical in enhancing the adaptability of AV systems to changing environmental conditions.

4. Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Assessment

While AV systems promise sustainability, their long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts require further investigation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) should evaluate the ecological footprint of AV installations, including resource use and waste generation. Simultaneously, socio-economic studies should examine the systems’ affordability, community acceptance, and potential to generate economic benefits for small-scale and subsistence farmers.

5. Policy and Governance

Policy frameworks and incentives will be pivotal in scaling AV systems globally. Future research should focus on developing evidence-based policies that support AV adoption, considering regional needs and barriers. Collaborative initiatives between governments, industry, and academia are necessary to establish standards and best practices for deployment.

6. Food–Energy–Water Nexus

Addressing the interconnected challenges of food security, renewable energy, and water conservation is a critical frontier for AV systems. Future studies should explore AV systems’ role in optimizing resource use across these domains, focusing on region-specific applications. Integrating AV systems into the broader framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will ensure their relevance to global priorities.

7. Expanding Geographic and Sectoral Reach

While AV research is concentrated in developed nations, its potential in emerging economies and regions with limited resources remains underexplored. Expanding AV systems to Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia will address local food and energy challenges. Moreover, niche applications, such as aquavoltaics (integrating solar panels with aquaculture) and urban AV systems, represent untapped opportunities for further exploration.

8. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Given the interdisciplinary nature of AV systems, fostering cooperation between energy engineers, agricultural scientists, environmentalists, economists, and policymakers is essential. Future research should prioritize systems-based approaches integrating technical innovations with sustainability goals and community needs.

By addressing these directions, AV systems can evolve into a cornerstone of sustainable development, providing innovative solutions to global challenges in water, food, energy, and climate resilience. These efforts will require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach and sustained commitment from researchers, governments, and industry stakeholders worldwide.

5. Conclusions

This bibliometric and thematic analysis provides a comprehensive examination of agrivoltaic (AV) systems research from 2011 to 2023, highlighting its intellectual structure, geographic contributions, thematic clusters, and future directions. Thus study reveals exponential growth in AV research, particularly after 2020, driven by the urgent need for integrated solutions to address renewable energy production, food security, water scarcity, and sustainable land use.

The findings identify the United States, France, and Germany as the leading contributors to AV systems research, demonstrating significant advancements in technological innovation, experimental evaluations, and policy development. France stands out for its high international collaboration intensity, as evidenced by its total link strength. Emerging nations, such as China and India, show rapid growth, reflecting the global expansion of AV systems research into diverse climatic and socio-economic contexts. This geographic diversification underscores the increasing relevance of AV systems as a solution to both local and global challenges.

The expanded thematic analysis uncovers eight key clusters that shape the intellectual structure of AV systems research as follows:

• Dual productivity, which optimizes land use for simultaneous agricultural and energy production.
• Agriculture and policy implications, which address socio-political dimensions and advocate for supportive policies and stakeholder engagement.
• Renewable energy integration and technological advancements, which focus on innovative photovoltaic technologies and energy-efficient tools.
• Controlled environments and sustainability, which explore AV applications in greenhouses to optimize crop growth and reduce environmental impacts.
• Climate change mitigation and sustainable land use, which enhance agricultural resilience and land efficiency while addressing climate variability.
• The food–energy–water nexus, which provides integrated solutions for sustainability across multiple resource sectors.
• Energy integration, which supports energy security and the global shift toward renewable energy systems.
• Light optimization through photosynthetically active radiation, which balances energy generation and agricultural productivity through efficient light distribution.

These clusters highlight the interdisciplinary nature of AV research, bridging technological, environmental, and socio-economic challenges to offer innovative pathways for sustainable development.

International collaboration has emerged as a critical driver of AV research, particularly among leading nations such as the United States, France, and Germany. The interconnected partnerships and knowledge exchanges reflected in total link strengths have enabled advancements in AV technologies and their adaptation to regional agricultural and energy systems.

To further accelerate the adoption of AV systems and address existing challenges, future research must prioritize the following:

• Advancing innovative photovoltaic technologies (e.g., semi-transparent, bifacial, and organic photovoltaics).
• Optimizing system designs to suit diverse agricultural and climatic conditions.
• Expanding field trials to enhance climate resilience and validate AV system performance across regions.
• Conducting comprehensive environmental and socio-economic assessments to ensure long-term viability.
• Developing supportive policy frameworks and extending AV applications to emerging economies to facilitate widespread implementation.

In conclusion, this study provides a roadmap for advancing AV systems research by bridging knowledge gaps, identifying thematic trends, and aligning global research efforts with sustainability goals. By integrating technological innovation, policy support, and collaborative frameworks, AV systems hold transformative potential to optimize land use, enhance renewable energy production, and secure food systems. Ultimately, they offer a holistic solution to address interconnected global challenges, including resource scarcity, climate change, and sustainable development.

6. Limitations

While this bibliometric and thematic analysis provides valuable insights into AV systems research’s evolution and intellectual structure, several limitations must be acknowledged to contextualize the findings.

First, Database Dependence. The analysis relied exclusively on the Scopus database, which, while comprehensive, may exclude relevant studies indexed in other databases such as Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, or PubMed. This limitation might result in a partial representation of the AV research landscape.

Second, Keyword Selection. The search strategy utilized specific keywords related to AV systems. Although the keywords were selected to maximize coverage, there is a possibility that relevant studies using alternative terminologies or those from adjacent fields may have been overlooked.

Third, Language Bias. The inclusion criterion restricted the analysis to publications in English, excluding potentially significant research published in other languages. This limitation might result in an underrepresentation of contributions from non-English-speaking regions.

Fourth, Temporal Restriction. This study focused on publications from 2011 to 2023. At the same time, this timeframe captures the recent growth of AV systems research; earlier foundational studies might have been excluded, which could provide additional historical context to the field.

Fifth, Quantitative Focus. The bibliometric approach emphasizes quantitative metrics, such as citation counts and publication numbers. While helpful in identifying influential works and trends, these metrics may not fully capture the research’s qualitative depth and practical impact.

Sixth, Software Limitations. While powerful, tools like VOSviewer and Bibliometrix have limitations in data visualization and complexity of analysis. For instance, nuances in thematic clustering and co-authorship networks might not be fully captured due to algorithmic constraints.

Finally, Exclusion of Gray Literature. Non-peer-reviewed sources, including industry reports, policy briefs, and conference reviews outside the scope of the included document types, were excluded. These sources may contain valuable insights, particularly on applied aspects of AV systems.

These limitations highlight the importance of cautious interpretation of the findings and underscore the need for future studies to address these gaps by incorporating multiple databases, broader search strategies, and diverse methodologies. Despite these constraints, this analysis provides a robust foundation for understanding the AV research landscape and guiding future exploration.