Design Optimization of Agri‐Photovoltaic Systems in Different Climate Regions†

Abstract

This paper examines the optimal design for agri‐photovoltaic (agri‐PV) systems. Agri‐PV systems should be evaluated on the total crop yield and power generation, and the balance is essential. Specifically, the amount of solar irradiance reaching the farmland and power generation by PV systems varies by panel separation and tilt angle, affecting crop yield. Quantitative analysis is essential for balancing. This study investigated the balance between the output of Agri‐PV installed on farmland and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), a crucial indicator for crop growth, and discussed the optimal solutions for Agri‐PV systems installed in various regions. Simulations were conducted for Miyazaki (semi‐tropical) and Nagano (inland climate) to understand the changes in different climate regions. Miyazaki has higher PPFD and PV output than Nagano because Miyazaki has more solar irradiance and longer sunshine duration than Nagano. When the normalized panel pitch is small, PPFD changes significantly by the tilt angle. When the normalized panel pitch is large, the profit may be maximized by setting the panel tilt angle to maximize the PV output. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.