Agrivoltaics: how solar panels affect working conditions and yield

Field work involves high health risks due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Agrivoltaic farms, where solar panels are installed directly above plantings, allow for a significant reduction in heat stress for personnel. According to modeling based on weather conditions in central New Jersey, the perceived temperature for workers in an agrivoltaic system decreases by approximately 7 degrees Fahrenheit compared to an open field.

This effect is achieved through shading and the formation of a unique microclimate. Intensive evaporation of soil moisture and plant transpiration contribute to cooling the air in the near-ground layer. Furthermore, the plants themselves benefit from this proximity: tomato leaves under the panels become an average of 3 degrees cooler during the day, and during peak heat, the difference reaches 13.6 degrees. This leads to a 22% reduction in plant moisture loss.

Improving growing conditions positively impacts yield. With partial shading that provides a 20% reduction in sunlight, the yield of fruit-bearing vegetables increases by 8%, and that of berry crops by 14%. Mutual benefit is also observed for the equipment: the process of crop transpiration contributes to cooling the panels themselves by 18 degrees Fahrenheit relative to standard installations in open areas. This increases the efficiency of photovoltaic systems by approximately 3%.

Researchers note a single risk factor: if panels are spaced too densely, air circulation may deteriorate and humidity may increase, which hinders the human body's cooling. A solution to this problem could be the installation of low-energy fans powered by the energy generated by the solar farm itself.