Investigation of the Potentials of the Agrivoltaic Systems in Turkey

Abstract

The demand for renewable energy to mitigate CO2 emissions is continuously growing due to the risk of environmental degradation. In this regard, agrivoltaic systems emerged to provide a potential solution for environmental deterioration. Agrivoltaic systems are the common use of land for crop and energy production. These systems are designed to efficiently share the same land between photovoltaics and agriculture so that food and energy can be produced conjointly. In this study, we investigate the potential of agrivoltaic systems in Turkey. With this aim, three provinces with the highest agricultural production are selected, and their capabilities are investigated by using GIS (Geographic Information System) with a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) method. First, the literature is reviewed to determine the criteria for agrivoltaics installation. Then, criteria weights are determined using FAHP in order to capture the associated uncertainty in decision-maker’s (DMs) judgments and preferences. Finally, suitability analysis is conducted using the criteria weights and the GIS data to reveal potential sites for agrivoltaics development. The study results contribute to practitioners deciding the target locations to sustainably generate solar energy while allowing crop production.