A groundbreaking methodology has been developed by a team at the University of Cordoba in order to determine the cultivable space between two-axis photovoltaic modules. This innovative approach aims to encourage the transition of traditional agricultural lands into agrivoltaic production, where both solar energy and crop cultivation coexist on the same piece of land.
In the town of Alcarras de Carla Simón, the Solé family faces the challenges of transitioning their peach plantation to agrivoltaic production due to the encroachment of solar panels on their land. This conflict between sustainable energy development and agricultural production is a prevalent issue that affects not only farmers but also cultural products and ongoing research initiatives.
The TEP215-Physics for Renewable Energies research group at the University of Cordoba is actively working to promote the integration of agrivoltaic systems. Through their recent work, they have created a model that accurately measures the space between solar collectors in existing photovoltaic installations. This model is crucial for determining where crops can be grown without impeding the movement of the solar panels or reducing energy production.
Implementation and Results
By utilizing the developed methodology on an actual photovoltaic plant known as “El Molino” in Cordoba, researchers were able to identify that 74% of the land between panels was suitable for cultivating crops less than 1.4 meters in height. This significant finding demonstrates the potential for existing large-scale solar plants to transition to agrivoltaic systems, ultimately improving sustainability and contributing to the fight against climate change.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the researchers emphasize the importance of establishing legislation supporting agrivoltaics and conducting field trials with a variety of crops to fully realize the benefits of this integrated approach. By combining agricultural production with solar energy generation, agrivoltaics offers a win-win solution that can enhance soil moisture retention and overall crop productivity, especially in extreme climates. This evolving field represents a promising opportunity to address both energy and food production needs in a sustainable manner.
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