Shaping Europe's agrivoltaic future: design of four innovative demonstrators through advanced modeling in the SYMBIOSYST project

Abstract

The SYMBIOSYST project, co-funded by the EC Horizon Europe Programme, aims to harmonise solar energy production with agricultural needs by developing photovoltaic (PV) solutions suitable for both open field and greenhouse settings across varied climates in three countries. Four agrivoltaic demonstrators are being planned, covering different scenarios: Bolzano, Italy, focusing on open-field agrivoltaics for apple tree orchards; Scalea, Italy, implementing open agrivoltaics for citrus fruits; Barcelona, Spain, targeting a mix of open agrivoltaic cultivation including tomatoes, onions, fava beans, and lettuce; and the Netherlands, featuring a closed agrivoltaic system within greenhouses dedicated to tomato production. One of the project’s initial tasks is to establish detailed technical specifications to guide the design and implementation of these demonstrators, showcasing innovations in PV module integration, monitoring systems, and environmental considerations such as anti-ice measures and rainwater collection. To achieve this, SYMBIOSYST utilises advanced modeling tools developed specifically for the project, including 3D simulation tools to analyse spatial arrangements of PV layouts, crop configurations, and supporting infrastructures. Techniques such as ray tracing and GPU-based high-resolution 3D view field simulations are employed to conduct high-resolution temporal analysis of light distribution across crops and PV modules, enabling an in-depth evaluation of bifacial gains, shading profiles, and overall system efficiency. The modeling efforts encompass both open agrivoltaic systems for crop and fruit production, as well as closed systems for greenhouse farming, with a focus on optimising the placement and height of the PV arrays, which are mounted on either fixed structures or tracker systems, to facilitate ideal crop growth without compromising energy production. This approach tailors PV module integration to suit both new and existing agricultural setups, while also evaluating potential environmental impacts such as shading effects on crops and incorporating PV modules to mitigate these effects and maximise energy capture. By simulating various configurations and environmental conditions, SYMBIOSYST aims to identify the most effective designs for agrivoltaic systems, leading to increased agricultural yields and efficient renewable energy production. This comprehensive modeling effort underlines the project’s commitment to advancing agrivoltaic technology through innovative design and optimisation strategies, setting a benchmark for future developments in the field.

Postprint (published version)