Yield and PR estimation for vertical agrivoltaics systems

Resumen

Photovoltaic systems interspersed with cropland are gaining ground. Since both elements compete for radiation, determining the amount of light that reaches each of them is of great interest. Vertical agrivoltaic systems are an alternative to other systems installed in crop fields, which interfere less with tillage and machinery. When these systems consist of bifacial panels, energy capture is almost twice that of monofacial system. To determine profitability, measurements of both actual production and expected output or performance ratio (PR) must be obtained. Likewise, if the system is agrivoltaic, agricultural production must not be substantially reduced, and regulations set different limits depending on the country, with an extended objective of not assuming a reduction greater than 20%. The calculation of the PR in a vertical system is something that is still open to debate when the panels are bifacial. In addition, when the system is oriented with a north-south axis, the maximum radiation can be strongly affected by nearby shadows, both from other parallel strings and from nearby obstacles. Given the sensitivity of a vertical system to these aspects, in this work we address the elements that will affect the correct understanding and design of vertical agrivoltaic plants.