Optimizing agrivoltaic systems: A comprehensive analysis of design, crop productivity and energy performance in open-field configurations

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) systems is essential for decarbonizing energy systems but raises concerns about competing with agriculture for arable land. Agrivoltaic (APV) systems offer a sustainable solution by integrating PV installations with agriculture on the same land. However, adoption is constrained by a limited understanding of design parameters and their effects on energy and crop productivity. This study presents a simulation framework to evaluate open-field APV systems, focusing on the impacts of ground coverage ratio (GCR), clearance height, and tracking configurations on solar irradiance distribution, crop yield, and solar energy generation. The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) was employed to assess the combined productivity of agricultural output and solar energy generation. Scenarios are modeled for temperate climates, examining three crops (lettuce, turnip, and maize) alongside bifacial PV systems with fixed and tracking designs. Results showed that design parameters significantly affect shading and light distribution. Higher clearance heights and lower GCRs enhance agricultural productivity, particularly for shade-sensitive crops like maize, though slightly reducing energy yields. LER values ranged from 1.04 to 2.05 for the GCR variable between 0.6 and 0.2, demonstrating that APV systems are more productive than conventional land use. These insights support optimizing APV designs, aiding policymakers and developers in aligning renewable energy goals with agricultural sustainability.