Agrivoltaic Systems: Advantages and Future Prospects.

 What is an Agrivoltaic System and How Does It Work?

Agrivoltaic systems represent an innovative and sustainable solution that integrates agricultural production with renewable energy generation.

The basic idea is to place solar panels within cultivated lands or grazing areas, allowing multifunctional use of the available surface: on one hand, maintaining active crops, and on the other, producing clean electricity. In this way, agriculture and renewable energy coexist, simultaneously contributing to food supply and reducing CO₂ emissions.

The operation of an agrivoltaic system involves installing solar panels on elevated structures, leaving space underneath for plants or animals. This approach optimizes land use and allows for the production of clean (photovoltaic) energy without taking land away from agriculture.

Moreover, the panels can be tilted or equipped with tracking systems to follow the sun and maximize energy production. In some cases, these installations are designed to allow the passage of agricultural machinery so that sowing and harvesting activities can continue efficiently. Sharing space between crops and photovoltaics is one of the main strengths of this technology, as it reduces land consumption and promotes biodiversity.

Advantages of Agrivoltaic Systems

Benefits for Agriculture

The partial shade generated by solar panels can favor the growth of heat-sensitive crops by protecting them from thermal stress and reducing water evaporation from the soil. This can lead to more efficient use of water resources and more stable crop yields, especially in areas affected by drought or excessive sunlight. Furthermore, the presence of photovoltaic modules can help reduce the impact of extreme weather events such as hailstorms or heavy rain, protecting crops from potential damage.

Renewable Energy Generation

Besides the benefits for crops, these systems produce clean energy, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change. The integration of photovoltaics and agriculture is a concrete step toward ecological transition, as it enables the exploitation of an inexhaustible energy source like the sun. Local communities can also benefit from zero-mile energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Space Optimization

By positioning solar panels on the same land used for agricultural production, agrivoltaic systems maximize yield per hectare, as both energy and food are produced on the same soil. This allows for greater economic efficiency, especially in contexts where land costs are high or available agricultural surfaces are limited. Additionally, the integration of these structures can foster new job opportunities, particularly in technical and specialized fields.

Types and Limitations of Agrivoltaic Systems

In recent years, various types of agrivoltaic systems have emerged. Some involve fixed structures with panels mounted at a predetermined height, while others use solar tracking systems that adjust the angle of the modules according to the sun’s position, maximizing energy production throughout the day.

Installations may also vary depending on the type of crop and panel layout: some projects are optimized for growing vegetables, cereals, or fruit trees, while others focus on pastures for animal grazing. In some cases, vertical farming can be combined with photovoltaic modules to further increase productivity.

Although agrivoltaic systems are spreading rapidly, some limitations remain. Initial installation costs can be high, especially when using movable structures or advanced tracking systems, and maintenance can be more complex than traditional ground-mounted plants. Moreover, design requires careful evaluation of variables such as soil type, solar irradiation, structural robustness, and compatibility between panels and crops.

Not all plants respond the same way to shade, making it essential to identify the best combinations suited to the local climatic and agronomic conditions.

Future Prospects for Agrivoltaic Systems: Trends and Opportunities

Thanks to continuous investments in research and innovation, agrivoltaic technologies are becoming increasingly efficient and accessible.

Universities, research centers, and specialized companies collaborate in developing new materials and installation solutions, aiming to reduce costs and improve both energy and agricultural yields.

In the future, agrivoltaic systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in the global energy transition strategy, given the advantages they offer in terms of sustainability, natural resource savings, and reduced environmental impact.

The use of smart technologies, such as sensors and IoT devices, will make monitoring and managing installations easier, ensuring constant control of plant growth conditions and panel efficiency.

With an integrated and forward-looking approach, adopting agrivoltaic systems will help effectively address the challenges posed by climate change and the growing global food demand.