Teos Energy: Agrivoltaic projects, a huge opportunity to maximize land utilization
In recent years the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has reached a new high level.
To tackle this the Paris Agreement has set out a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Additionally, in European countries, zeroing the carbon footprint is now mandated by law.
Besides the climate change crisis, electricity prices increase day by day because of the demand. As a result, there is growing attention toward the usage of renewable sources such as solar power in all industries, and one of them is agriculture.
Agri-PV can be seen as a huge opportunity to maximize land utilization in the high demand for energy and nourishment for which it is critical to collaborate on agrivoltaic projects with farmers and agricultural chambers to raise awareness and increase its usage.
Agri-PV systems
Analyzing the optimal parameters for PV plant design is vital for successful agrivoltaic projects, which would involve taking into consideration several criteria such as the endurance of already built agricultural rooftop structures as well as crop management and sunlight requirements.
Open-System Greenhouses
Open system greenhouses can use both transparent and standard solar PV panels.
The structural frame might need reinforcement if it has been built earlier without having taken into consideration the installation of a solar system.
Key issues would be purlin placements and cross-section capacity comparison according to loads.
Regular Greenhouses
Regular wind-resistant greenhouses might also need reinforcement.
Firstly static loads and long-term deformations must be calculated, and framing material and cross-sections must be selected considering these necessaries.
Vertical Installation
Vertical installation systems can use bifacial panels, which are double-sided solar cells, to produce energy.
In this case, the modules are not tilted as usual but placed vertically which offers a wide range of possibilities in combination with agriculture allowing sunlight for the crops where needed.
Additionally, the bifacial solar panels may increase agricultural output in cases where the crop benefits from humidity and reduced heat stress since solar cells which face the ground absorb the light and reflect off the ground surface light which is known as albedo light. The rows of panels also break wind speed and decrease erosion.
Semi-Closed Greenhouse
Solar PV systems can also be installed in semi-closed greenhouses, where cooling equipment is used to reduce the need for natural ventilation and regulate humidity.
Barns
Solar power can be a better option for barns in rural regions with no access to electricity, than paying a utility to construct the infrastructure needed to deliver power from the grid.
Solar-powered barns are also more environmentally friendly than barns that use utility-provided electricity, leaving a reduced carbon footprint.
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About Teos Energy GmbH
Based in Germany, Teos Energy GmbH is a sister company of Turkish solar EPC company OzEnergy A.Ş. operating in both regional and international solar energy markets. With its fast-track and flexible approach, its experienced solar photovoltaic professionals team and well-known partner network Teos Energy provide turnkey EPC services as well as operation and maintenance services. For more information, visit teosenergy.com and teosagripv.com.
About Authors
Mehmet E. AKGUN – Civil Engineer
Graduated from State University at New York, University at Buffalo, and Istanbul Technical University, experienced in foundation design and steel construction, infrastructure design, and project management.
Nergis GUL – Electrical Engineer
Graduated from Istanbul Technical University, experienced in PV systems design engineering.
Sercan KESKINEL – Environmental Engineer
Graduated from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Istanbul Technical University, experienced in the technical and commercial analysis of PV systems, business development, and project management.
Article provided by Teos Energy GmbH.
