Integration of Agriculture and Solar Energy Production: Advances and Challenges in Agrivoltaic Systems

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Farming Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 March 2025 | Viewed by 2562

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 48, 30203 Cartagena, Spain
Interests: soil physics; soil analysis; organic matter; chemical engineering; environmental science; environmental impact assessment

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of agrivoltaics (agrovoltaics, agri-photovoltaics, solar sharing or APV systems) refers to an innovative approach that integrates solar panels with agricultural and livestock activities, offering dual benefits of renewable energy production and increased agricultural and livestock yields. This practice maximizes land use efficiency by providing partial shading, offering protection to crops and livestock from extreme temperatures, and reducing water evaporation while generating clean energy. Research highlights the importance of tailored solar panel designs to optimize both crop growth and energy production. The development of robust legal frameworks, financial incentives and specialized training programs are crucial for the widespread adoption of agrivoltaic systems. This field presents significant opportunities for sustainable development, addressing both food and energy security challenges globally.

Dr. Diego Soto-Gómez
Prof. Dr. Miguel-Ángel Muñoz-García
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • solar sharing
  • renewable energy
  • agrivoltaics
  • dual land use
  • crop protection
  • livestock integration
  • land use efficiency
  • land equivalent ratio (LAR)
  • climate resilience
  • water efficiency
  • renewable energy incentives
  • shade management

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

30 pages, 2099 KiB  
Review
Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Solar Panels: A Review of Agrivoltaic Systems
by Diego Soto-Gómez
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1824; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081824 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2431
Abstract
This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV). The transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by the need to respond to climate change, competition for land use, and the scarcity of fossil fuels, has led to the consideration of new ways to [...] Read more.
This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV). The transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by the need to respond to climate change, competition for land use, and the scarcity of fossil fuels, has led to the consideration of new ways to optimise land use while producing clean energy. AV systems not only generate energy but also allow agricultural and livestock yields to be maintained or even increased under PV structures, offering a sustainable production strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. This review assesses the technical feasibility of AV systems, the environmental, economic and social benefits, as well as the challenges faced and the legal framework regulating their implementation. It is highlighted that despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food and energy production, there are important challenges related to the initial investment required, the need for technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, or the effects of shading on production. This paper underlines the importance of further research and development of these systems to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximise their potential benefits. It is concluded that although they present significant challenges, AV management offers promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to several sustainable development goals. Full article
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