Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 17, 2025
Agrivoltaic systems, which merge agricultural cultivation with solar power generation, represent a strategic solution to the dual challenge of meeting increasing global energy demands and ensuring food security. By situating solar panels directly above crops, these systems mitigate land use conflicts and deliver additional benefits, such as alleviating crop water stress and shielding plants from extreme weather conditions. They also foster ecological advantages, including creating habitats for pollinators and enhancing forage availability. In arid regions, agrivoltaics have shown to delay flowering and boost flower production, thereby supporting pollinators later in the season. Furthermore, the moderated microclimate beneath solar panels can enhance photovoltaic efficiency.
As their adoption expands, optimizing agrivoltaic systems through advanced tracking technologies becomes crucial. Horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT) systems, which pivot solar panels to follow the sun’s path throughout the day, can significantly improve system performance. Strategically managing panel orientation can achieve a delicate balance between maximizing solar output and safeguarding crop yields. This balance is particularly important for securing subsidies, which often require agrivoltaic systems to remain within specified yield loss margins, thereby bolstering their financial feasibility.
A recent investigation published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy (JPE) sheds light on methodologies to fine-tune solar panel angles for optimal energy and agricultural results. The study, centered on apple orchards in southwestern Germany, introduces a novel technique to dynamically align panel positions with specific crop light requirements. Rather than relying on conventional shading guidelines or static structures like hail nets, this method leverages precise irradiation targets to fulfill the unique light needs of different crops. Researchers employed a bespoke simulation tool, APyV, to explore how variations in panel angles affect sunlight availability for crops.
The APyV platform applies sophisticated ray tracing algorithms to map solar radiation distribution, assessing its influence on both solar panels and crops. This tool streamlines agrivoltaic system design by integrating crop models and key performance metrics, enabling accurate calculations of light exposure and its impact on system performance.
Findings from the case study demonstrated that tailored panel control could deliver 91 percent of the annual light requirement for apple trees, while only slightly diminishing solar power output by 20 percent. Nonetheless, certain time periods revealed shortfalls in meeting crop light demands, highlighting the inherent challenge of achieving perfect alignment between agricultural and energy goals. Despite these constraints, the study establishes a strong platform for future research and refinement.
“Our study shows that the combination of solar energy and farming can be enhanced by smart PV-trackers that adjust the position of solar panels based on weather conditions, crop types, and their growth stages. This approach ensures an optimal balance between light available for photosynthesis and light available for electricity production,” explained corresponding author Maddelena Bruno, a doctoral researcher at Fraunhofer ISE.
Bruno further indicated that the proposed irradiation targets and tracking methodology are scheduled for field testing during the ongoing growing season in Nussbach. These trials aim to validate the simulation outcomes and broaden the understanding of how agrivoltaic systems influence crop growth and environmental conditions. The research is expected to inform future strategies for integrating agriculture and renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable energy transition.
Research Report:Enhancing agrivoltaic synergies through optimized tracking strategies
Related Links
Fraunhofer ISE – Institute for Solar Energy Systems
Farming Today – Suppliers and Technology
