The importance of 3D models to calculate shading ratios

Abstract

In agrivoltaic systems, modification of radiative microclimate at crop level is one of the main impacts of the photovoltaic panels. The level of light, or inversely of shade, received by the cultivated crops is therefore a key indicator to characterize such installations. We explore here two ways to define this indicator and simulate its value with our simulation software (AV-Studio). Results can vary significantly depending on the chosen definition, especially for small agrivoltaic plots or when the panels are close to the crops. Moreover, parameters such as panel height, canopy porosity, time of year and weather can also greatly influence the results. This indicates that the definition and method used to calculate the level of shade under the panels should be precisely stated before providing any result, especially regarding space and time extent.