Research in Germany has set up an extensive tool for crops for Agrivoltaics in more than 25 countries. The proposed matrix evaluates species -specific reactions of 12 important crops on shade, microclimate changes and crop growth, while also assess their water needs, shadow tolerance and space requirements.
Researchers from Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in Germany have developed a crass selection matrix that is intended as a decision -making instrument for agrivoltaic projects.
The proposed matrix evaluates species -specific reactions of 12 important crops on shade, microclimate changes and crop growth, while also assess their water needs, shadow tolerance and space requirements.
It is based on important agronomical and environmental parameters from 117 validated research studies into Agrivoiltaics that include more than 25 countries. The 12 crop species are leafy vegetables, root vegetables, legumes, grains, brassicas, oil crops, berries, fruit trees, herbs, medicinal plants, mushrooms and grass acids.
The matrix uses global horizontal radiation (GHI) data to determine the crop fitness within specific solar -resource zones. “Although regional variations exist, this matrix offers a standardized framework that can be adapted to specific geographical contexts,” the academics emphasized.
They also explained that crops such as berries, fruit trees and vegetables benefit from the microclimates created by the solar panels that offer protection against wind and high temperatures, while also reducing water evaporation. Moreover, these crops need less space and offer a higher economic return per unit area.
The research showed that herbs, grasses and legumes are particularly suitable for agrivoltaisies in water vessels, dry and semi-arid regions.
The researchers also emphasized that crops such as grains, fiber crops and oil crops require more space and are less suitable for the large shade produced by increased Agrivoltaic systems.
“Because low-space-requirement crops dominate the suitability of Agrivoltaics, the installed PV capacity per hectare is lower compared to conventional large-scale PV farms, making Agrivoltaics ideal for small-scale agricultural communities, decentralized they renewable energy projects.
Their findings can be found in the study “Selection of crops in Agri-PV: International assessment-based strategic decision-making model“Published in Solar compass. “Future research could further refine the Matrix by including Real-World case studies, empirical field data and input from stakeholders to improve their applicability about various agricultural landscapes,” they concluded.
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