Overhead agrivoltaics could disrupt global navigation satellite systems used for precision agriculture
Fraunhofer ISE researchers have investigated whether PV panels installed above orchards can affect the reception of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and, in turn, affect the precision of advanced autonomous tools. They found a disruption and suggested some alternatives.
‘The crop people don’t understand the PV aspect’
University of Exeter academic Aritra Ghosh tells pv magazine a multidiscipline approach is required to unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics. Discussing a new paper comparing static and tracker agrivoltaics systems in the United Kingdom, the researcher argues better understanding of microclimates under modules and how PV affects crop biochemistry is needed.
Agrivoltaics can improve water conservation in Africa
Research led by the University of Sheffield installed an off-grid agrivoltaic system in Tanzania and a grid-tied agrivoltaic system in Kenya. They found the installations helped boost crop yield and conserve water while generating electricity at a lower cost than the national grid.
Colombian researchers design agrivoltaic system with hydroponic towers
Colombian researchers have designed an agrivoltaic system integrating hydroponic growing towers. The modular array, consisting of stackable 20 cm rings, creates a structure up to 2.5 meters tall, optimized for cultivating approximately 80 plants per square meter.
Austrian utility building 164 MW agrivoltaic plant
Burgerland Energie says it is building a 164 MW tracker-based agrivoltaic facility near Tadten-Wallern on Lake Neusiedl, southeastern Austria.
Wavelength-selective PV tech for agrivoltaic applications
Scientists in Sweden have conducted a comprehensive review of all wavelength-selective PV technologies for agrivoltaic installations. They suggested creating standards for reporting on the performance of these technologies.
SolarPower Europe publishes guide for agrivoltaics
SolarPower Europe has released a handbook on agrivoltaics, detailing agrisolar archetypes, business cases, agricultural and environmental factors, and real-life project examples. It also urges European policymakers to boost support for agrisolar development.
Study shows sheep grazing under solar panels produces higher-quality wool
A study on the benefits of co-locating solar energy and sheep grazing shows that sheep grazing in the shade of PV modules may produce higher-quality wool than those on traditional agricultural properties.
Sunwind Energy’s new PV planter combines cultivation, solar generation
Specializing in the design of custom solar systems, Sunwind Energy will launch the Delta Flore solar PV planter onto the market by the end of the year.
Sweden’s first large-scale agrivoltaic park inaugurated
Production is now underway at Sweden’s first large-scale agrivoltaics park, owned and operated by Svea Solar. A power purchase agreement is in place with a local vertical farmer for the electricity produced, while the farm underneath the solar panels will produce rapeseed, ley and wheat on a rotational basis.
