Vertical Agrivoltaics System on Arable Crops in Central France: Feedback of the First Year of Operation

Abstract

Since the development of Agrivoltaics with panels placed above the plants, a new system is tested with vertical mounted bifacial photovoltaic panels, of which we present the results of the first year of two experimental sites. Such installations bring a lower shading level on the plant compared to fixed tilt or single axis tracking systems and could potentially suit fields with crops having low demands of shading. However, unlike more standard PV systems, few studies have detailed the effects of such devices on field crops. In this first experimental year, bifacial vertically mounted PV system showed interesting results with a stable or even a slight increase in annual crop yields. Also, harvest quality indicators are maintained or present favorable evolution indicating a high potential of vertical PV systems for Agrivoltaics.