Agrivoltaics: Integrating Solar and Agriculture

WHAT IS AGRIVOLTAICS? **Agrivoltaics utilizes specific solar arrays in combination with certain agricultural practices based on region and climate.** This creates a symbiotic relationship between solar power and agriculture, allowing both to flourish while optimizing land use. AGRIVOLTAIC ARRAY TY...

WHAT IS AGRIVOLTAICS? **Agrivoltaics utilizes specific solar arrays in combination with certain agricultural practices based on region and climate.** This creates a symbiotic relationship between solar power and agriculture, allowing both to flourish while optimizing land use. AGRIVOLTAIC ARRAY TYPES Agrivoltaics is agriculture + photovoltaics, there is no "one way" that agrivoltaics works best. There are multiple variables involved to make an informed decision on what type of agrivoltaics array you would like to install. Variables that include, climate, crop type, sun exposure, agriculture practices, and the space available for such arrays. ROOFTOP AGRIVOLTAIC RESEARCH Rooftop agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar panels (photovoltaics) and food production on rooftops. Combining green roofs with rooftop solar is still in its infancy, but these systems' synergies are well documented. The plants benefit from the solar panels' protection, and panel performance improves on warm days due to the evaporative cooling that the plants provide. Agrivoltaic systems are currently used in farm fields but taking this concept to a rooftop is still unique. With an increasingly urban population worldwide, having a hyper-local food source on the only remaining available space in urban areas, rooftops, can improve urban populations' resilience -- especially in times of crisis when food distribution chains may be disrupted. Renewable energy generation onsite also contributes to a more sustainable urban community, especially as non-renewable energy sources begin to decline. Educate yourself on the benefits and synergies of green roofs, ask your local government and energy providers how they support rooftop agrivoltaics, and seek out local food sources to help this emerging technology. THE SYNERGY OF ROOFTOP AGRIVOLTAICS - **Shade** from raised solar modules can project green roof plants species or edible plants from the harsh and exposed conditions that exist on rooftops. - **Transpiration** from the plants rises to cool the bottom side of the solar modules, allowing them to operate more efficiently throughout the summer growing season.