A PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT ON A LARGE-SCALE VERTICAL AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEM IN SWEDEN

This study evaluates a large-scale vertical agrivoltaic (APV) system in Solvallen Sweden by using PVsyst® simulations for various design parameters. Row spacing emerges as the dominant design variable. Wider gaps between PV modules reduces shading levels but lower installed capacity, leading to diminishing returns in total energy output. Clearance height must match crop growth to avoid shading losses, orientation shifts peak output (east/morning, west/afternoon) affects daily totals minimally, and configurations (portrait vs landscape) shows negligible performance differences. A strong linear relationship (R² = 0.94) between ground coverage ratio GCR and partial shading suggests GCR as a practical proxy for future studies. Economically, the Solvallen APV system yields tenfold greater total net present value (NPV) compared to conventional agriculture, with electricity revenues accounting for 92 % of profit. But although the NPV of conventional agriculture is 90.4 % less than the APV system, the NPV of APV system still comes out 60.5 % lower compared to the conventional ground-mounted photovoltaic (CGMPV) system, making CGMPV the most profitable system. This can be attributed to the much higher energy output and less capital and operational expenditures needed for the CGMPV compared to the APV system.