Optimal Photovoltaic Array Layout of Agrivoltaic Systems Based on Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

An agrivoltaic (APV) plant is a complex system, where photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is concomitant with agricultural production. These activities can be antagonistic as the presence of PV installation might reduce the favorable conditions for agriculture and vice versa. In this context, vertical bifacial PV (AbPV) farms represent a fascinating perspective to optimize the land's dual-use request. This means finding geometrical configurations for the AbPV plant to produce the same energy as ground-mounted PV farms, not hinder agricultural activities, and limit the photosynthetically active radiation deficit. This study evaluates the performances of a vertical bifacial APV plant, located in Sicily, as a function of the PV modules’ plan allocation. The analyses developed through two software tools, SAM and PVsyst, compare the relative capabilities of monofacial and vertical bifacial farms in terms of acceptable PAR debit, and energy yield as a function of the array density. The land equivalent ratios of vertical AbPVs from a maximum value of 1.93 (p/h = 2.5) and a minimum of 1.56 (p/h = 5.0) for crops which have low sensitive response to the drop of solar radiation, while from 1.71 and 1.42 for crops which have higher sensitive response to the drop of solar radiation.