In the heart of Turkey, a groundbreaking experiment is reshaping the future of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Researchers have successfully integrated bifacial photovoltaic (PV) systems into greenhouse structures, creating a harmonious blend of food production and clean energy generation. This innovative approach, known as agrivoltaics, is gaining traction as a solution to the dual challenges of food security and climate change.
At the forefront of this research is Özal Emre Özdemir, a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany. Özdemir and his team have been working on a project that could revolutionize the way we think about farming and energy production. Their study, published in Results in Engineering, which translates to Results in Engineering, details the design, simulation, and experimental evaluation of an agrivoltaic greenhouse in Ankara, Turkey.
The project began with advanced ray-tracing simulations using bifacial_radiance software. The team evaluated various design parameters, including roof coverage ratios, PV layout patterns, greenhouse shapes, and orientations. The goal was to optimize light distribution and photovoltaic yield. After extensive testing, they identified an optimal configuration: a checkerboard PV pattern covering 33% of the greenhouse roof with an east-west orientation. This design ensured uniform light distribution, crucial for both plant growth and energy production.
The experimental phase involved growing tomato and bell pepper crops over two seasons (2022–2023). Initially, there were yield reductions of 26–32% in 2022, but these decreased significantly to 15–18% in 2023 due to improved shading management. “The key is finding the right balance between energy generation and agricultural yield,” Özdemir explained. “It’s a delicate equilibrium, but our results show it’s achievable.”
Energy simulations predicted an annual specific PV yield of approximately 1211 kWh/kWp, which closely matched the operational data (1264 kWh/kWp) despite partial system use due to grid limitations. The PV system successfully covered nearly all greenhouse energy demands, except for heating. This highlights the potential for agrivoltaic systems to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world seeks to transition to renewable energy, agrivoltaics offers a unique opportunity to integrate energy production into existing agricultural infrastructure. This could lead to more efficient land use, reduced energy costs for farmers, and a more sustainable food system.
Özdemir’s work underscores the importance of comprehensive economic assessments to quantify the environmental and financial benefits of agrivoltaic systems. “We need to look at the big picture,” he said. “It’s not just about energy production or crop yield; it’s about creating a sustainable system that benefits both.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, innovations like agrivoltaics offer a glimmer of hope. By integrating renewable energy into agriculture, we can create a more sustainable future for all. The research conducted by Özdemir and his team is a significant step in this direction, paving the way for future developments in the field. As more studies like this emerge, we can expect to see a growing trend towards sustainable, energy-efficient agriculture.