Can crops grown under solar panels still receive adequate sunlight?

Designing for Solar Agrivoltaics

A well-designed solar agrivoltaic system can allow crops to receive up to 90% of the sunlight they would receive in an open field. This is achieved by staggering the rows of solar panels or using ground-mounted panels to create space for crops to grow underneath. For example, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that a solar agrivoltaic system with a 20% panel density allowed crops to receive 85% of the sunlight they would receive in an open field.

Optimizing Crop Growth

To maximize crop growth under solar panels, farmers can use techniques such as pruning, training, and trellising. These techniques can help crops grow closer to the ground, reducing the amount of shade they receive from the solar panels. Additionally, farmers can choose crops that are more tolerant of shade, such as leafy greens or herbs. For example, a study by the University of California found that lettuce grown under solar panels produced yields 90% of those grown in an open field.

Implementing Solar Agrivoltaics

Implementing solar agrivoltaics requires careful planning and design. Farmers and developers should consider factors such as crop selection, soil quality, and microclimate conditions. They should also ensure that the solar panels are designed to allow for adequate drainage and air circulation, which is critical for healthy crop growth. For example, a solar agrivoltaic system with a panel density of 20% and a row spacing of 3 meters can allow for a yield of up to 4 tons of crops per hectare per year.