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Solar PV Power Potential is Greatest Over Croplands
Elnaz H Adeh1, Stephen P Good2, M Calaf3
1Carollo Engineers, Portland, OR, USA.
Scientific Reports
|August 9, 2019
Summary
Optimizing solar panel placement requires considering microclimate factors like temperature and wind. Integrating solar power with croplands, known as agrivoltaics, offers significant potential for sustainable energy production and land use efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Climate Science
Background:
- Global electricity demand is rising, with solar energy offering a significant renewable alternative.
- Large-scale solar installations raise concerns about land use and displacement of other activities.
- Current models often overlook microclimatic influences on photovoltaic (PV) panel efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a model for solar panel efficiency that incorporates microclimate variables.
- To globally map solar panel efficiency and energy production potential based on local environmental conditions.
- To assess the potential of agrivoltaic systems for sustainable land use and energy generation.
Main Methods:
- Derived a first-principles model for PV panel efficiency, including insolation, air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity.
- Validated the model using field observations.
- Applied the model globally using bias-corrected reanalysis datasets and land cover classification.
Main Results:
- PV panel efficiency is demonstrably influenced by microclimatic factors.
- Croplands exhibit the highest median solar power production potential (approx. 28 W/m²).
- Agrivoltaic systems show potential to offset global energy demand, even with minimal land conversion (<1% of cropland).
Conclusions:
- Microclimate is a critical, often overlooked, factor in solar energy production.
- Agrivoltaics present a viable strategy to mitigate land competition and enhance solar energy sustainability.
- Strategic placement of solar installations, particularly in agricultural areas, can significantly contribute to meeting global energy needs.
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