Are there specific crops to avoid under solar panels?

Crop Selection for Agrivoltaics

When selecting crops for agrivoltaic systems, it’s essential to consider the available solar radiation and the shading pattern of the solar panels. Most crops require at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce optimally, but in agrivoltaic systems, this can be challenging due to the shading from the solar panels.

Shading Tolerance of Crops

Crops with high shading tolerance, such as leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach), herbs (basil, mint, cilantro), and some varieties of strawberries and blueberries, can thrive under shade conditions. These crops can tolerate up to 50-60% shading and still produce high yields. On the other hand, crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers require full sun and are not suitable for agrivoltaic systems.

Designing Optimal Agrivoltaic Systems

To optimize agrivoltaic systems, it’s crucial to design the layout of the solar panels and the crops to minimize shading and maximize available solar radiation. This can be achieved by using a “north-south” orientation for the solar panels, which allows for more even solar radiation throughout the day. Additionally, using a “tiered” layout for the solar panels can also help reduce shading and increase the available solar radiation for the crops. By considering these factors, farmers can create optimal agrivoltaic systems that balance solar energy production with crop yields.